Rait Castle, Medieval hall house in Nairn, Scotland
Rait Castle is a medieval stone hall house featuring substantial walls with a round tower at one corner and a garderobe tower on the western side. The site shows remains of several buildings, enclosures, and a defensive ditch running along the north edge.
The fortress was built in the early 14th century and belonged to the de Rait family who sided with Edward I during the Scottish Wars of Independence. This family connection lasted until 1404, marking a turning point in the castle's history.
The chapel dedicated to St Mary once served as a place of worship within the fortified grounds, reflecting the spiritual life of those who lived here. The religious role of the site remains visible in the architectural layout today.
The castle sits about 2.5 miles south of Nairn and is accessible to visit, allowing you to walk around the ruins and see the building remains up close. Wear sturdy shoes as the ground is uneven and parts of the site are low or partially buried.
The castle design incorporated a natural granite outcrop directly into the courtyard layout, showing how medieval builders adapted their construction to the local rock formations. This practical approach made the site more defensible while saving construction effort.
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