Urquhart Castle is now a picturesque ruin overlooking the deep and murky waters of Loch Ness. But these walls belonged to a powerful stronghold, perhaps the most important in the Highlands.

Iron Age and Pictish forts may once have stood on this spot. But Urquhart’s heyday began in the 1200s, when it was held by Sir Alan Durward, the most powerful Highland lord of his era. After the Wars of Independence, it remained a royal castle into the 1500s, when it became a target for raiders from the Hebrides.

It last saw action during the Jacobite Rising of 1689, when it was damaged beyond repair. Its rugged remains now contain fascinating traces of warfare, work and everyday life in a medieval castle.

Historic Scotland is part of Historic Environment Scotland, the lead public body established to investigate, care for and promote Scotland’s historic environment.