Castle Varrich, Medieval tower house in Tongue, Scotland
The stone fortress stands on a rocky promontory, rising above the Kyle of Tongue with thick walls measuring 1.4 meters constructed from metamorphosed sandstone blocks.
The structure dates back over a thousand years, built upon a Norse fort in the 14th century as the central stronghold of the Clan Mackay chiefs.
The castle bears the Gaelic name Caisteal Bharraich and remained the primary residence of Highland clan leaders until their relocation to Tongue House.
A marked footpath leads visitors from the village of Tongue to the castle, where a steel spiral staircase provides access to an elevated viewing platform.
The ground floor contained stables accessed through a north wall portal, while the upper levels required wooden ladders for entry as a defensive measure.
Location: Highland
Location: Tongue
GPS coordinates: 58.47580,-4.43544
Latest update: June 3, 2025 04:07
Ben Hope
12.2 km
Ben Loyal
7.9 km
Kyle of Tongue
1 km
Kinloch Lodge
5.5 km
Rabbit Islands
6.4 km
Kyle of Tongue Bridge
1.9 km
Baile Mhargaite
12.4 km
Coillenaborgie
9.2 km
Tongue House
2.3 km
Tongue, St Andrew's Church
1.1 km
Loch Eriboll Lighthouse
13.2 km
Achuvoldrach Bridge
2.8 km
Dun Mhaigh
4.7 km
Hope Lodge
11.1 km
Skullomie Harbour, Pier
6 km
Pier, Tongue
2.4 km
Sgor Chaonasaid
6.9 km
Tongue, St Andrew's Church, Graveyard
1 km
Inchkinloch Bridge
12.6 km
Borgie Bridge, Old Bridge
9 km
Tongue, Ferry Look Out
1.9 km
Coachouse, Pier, Tongue
2.3 km
Heilam,broch 620m NE of
12.6 km
Tongue, Manse
1.1 km
Geo near Freisgill
13.2 km
Tongue, Manse, Gatepiers
1.1 km
Tongue, Manse, Steading
1.1 km
Tongue House, Garden Walls
2.2 kmReviews
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