Castle Varrich, Medieval tower house in Tongue, Scotland
Castle Varrich is a stone tower standing on a rocky promontory overlooking the Kyle of Tongue, constructed with thick walls from metamorphosed sandstone blocks. The structure contains multiple levels, with the ground floor originally serving as a stable.
The castle was built in the 14th century atop the remains of a Norse fort, becoming the principal seat of Clan Mackay. It shaped the family's control over the Highlands for centuries.
The castle carries the Gaelic name Caisteal Bharraich and served as a seat of power for Clan Mackay leaders in the Highlands. Walking through this place, you sense how central it remains to the identity and memory of the local region.
A marked footpath from Tongue leads visitors to the castle, with a steel staircase providing access to elevated viewing areas. The site is exposed and windswept, so appropriate clothing and sturdy shoes are advisable.
The upper floors were once accessible only by wooden ladders, a deliberate defensive strategy against intruders. This primitive access method reveals how the fortress was designed purely for protection.
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