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History Of Kilravock Castle

Kilravock Castle (pronounced 'Kil-rock') is a traditional Scottish castle, the Tower being built in 1460. It has the seat of the Roses since that time.

Origins of Kilravock

In the 6th century A.D., following the preaching of the missionary Columba in Inverness, the Nairn valley was evangelised and settled with several Christian churches. They were marked in place names by the prefix ‘Kil’ - the Celtic word for church. Tradition suggests that an area in the grounds of the castle, now occupied by a dovecote, was the site of an ancient church, apparently named after a Christian unknown to history.

The first six generations of the Rose family at Kilravock lived in a house, probably part stone, part wood, situated at the top of the hill by the Cedar of Lebanon.

In the 14th century, and for more than a century after, lawlessness abounded and clans and families schemed against one another. The period of strong Scottish monarchy had gone and rival claimants to the throne appeared. The wooden houses, sufficient for times of comparative peace, now passed away and by the end of the 15th century the skyline of the Nairn valley was marked by the grim battlements of castles at Rait, Cawdor, Kilravock and Daviot.

The Building of the Castle

The Kilravock tower was built by the 7th Baron under licence granted by John, Lord of the Isles and Earl of Ross, on 18th February 1460. There is a tradition that the architect was a servant of James III called Cochran, who also designed Cawdor Castle. In any case, Cawdor was built a few years earlier, and the same mason’s marks are to be found in the doorway stonework of both castles.

The mansion house part was added in 1553 by the tenth baron, mainly to accommodate his household of seventeen female dependants - sisters and daughters.

The main staircase and corridors and the West Wing were added during the 18th century, at which time the Queen Anne window in the drawing room was put in, the drawing room ceiling heightened and the old stone walls in most rooms plastered. The powdering closets in the corners of the historic castle bedrooms were also added at this time, two being made in what had been a turret staircase.

A scullery, pantry and bathroom were built in 1926 in a style which successfully compliments the earlier building.

In May 1967 the castle opened its doors as an outstanding Christian Centre and in 1984 the 25th Baroness, Miss Elizabeth Rose, gave the castle and its immediate environs into the ownership of the Kilravock Castle Christian Trust, so that the Christian tradition of the Rose family may continue into the future.

The Castle Grounds

The 40 acres of beautiful grounds make a perfect setting for the castle, and they are noted for a large variety of beautiful trees - some of which are centuries old. The River Nairn which runs along the border of the Estate, the tree garden and the woodland and  nature trails all abound in bird and animal life, while the local surrounding area offers forests, hills, valleys and lochs - all awaiting unhurried exploration.