Tor Castle, Tower house ruins near Fort William, Scotland
Tor Castle shows a rectangular stone structure with walls that still stand despite centuries of weathering and abandonment. The building occupies a strategic location between the River Lochy and the Caledonian Canal, commanding views of the surrounding valley.
The castle began as a residence for Clan Cameron chiefs in the early 16th century, helping them control this Highland region. After the 1745 Jacobite uprising, the clan left the site and it gradually fell into ruin.
Local tradition connects this site to Banquo, the Thane of Lochaber from Shakespeare's Macbeth, and Gaelic speakers called it Tigh Bhanco. The stories tied to this name still shape how people in the area understand the place today.
The ruins sit between the River Lochy and the Caledonian Canal, about 9 miles northeast of Fort William in Highland. The ground can be muddy and uneven, so sturdy footwear is a good idea when exploring the site.
A tree-lined walkway called Banquo's Walk borders the property, marked by an earthen ridge that adds an unexpected feature to the ruins. Nearby sits a field named Dail a' Chait where local communities once performed divination rituals.
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