Braal Castle, Medieval castle in Caithness, Scotland
Braal Castle is a medieval fortress on the north bank of the River Thurso in Caithness, built from stone with walls measuring 2.4 to 3 meters in thickness. The structure displays the typical rectangular form of Scottish castles and still preserves traces of internal staircases and fireplaces within the stone walls.
The site originated in the Middle Ages as a stronghold to control the River Thurso and was granted by King Robert II of Scotland to his son David Stewart in 1375 as Brathwell Castle. This transfer marked a key moment for regional control, and the family influenced local Highland history thereafter.
The castle shows how Scottish noble families fortified their residences, with first-floor entrances serving as a defensive strategy. This arrangement was typical for fortified houses in the Scottish Highlands and shaped how people in the region lived for centuries.
Plan your visit with the expectation that the remains are damaged and some areas may not be accessible. It is advisable to wear suitable footwear and take care, as structural instability poses risks when moving around the site.
The entrance to the castle is unusually positioned at first-floor level rather than at ground level like most medieval fortresses. This arrangement provided additional protection for inhabitants, since intruders had to climb an internal staircase to reach the upper areas.
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