Strome Castle, Medieval castle ruins on Loch Carron, Highland, Scotland.
Strome Castle comprises the remains of a medieval fortress standing on a rocky headland between Loch Carron and Loch Kishorn, with visible stone foundations and walls. The ruins trace the outline of a square tower and can be reached by a marked path from Strome village.
The structure originated in medieval times and was granted to the MacDonnell clan by King James V in 1539, triggering decades of conflict with the Mackenzies of Kintail. Its destruction came in 1602 when the Mackenzies exploited a powder storage accident to breach the castle.
The ruins speak to the struggles between Highland clans, as families like the MacDonalds, MacDonnells, and Mackenzies fought to control this strategic location. Visitors today can sense how this place reflects the power structures that shaped Scottish clan history.
The path to the ruins crosses uneven terrain and requires sturdy footwear and care on wet stones. Visitors should expect changeable weather and allow time to explore the landscape around the remains.
A group of women accidentally weakened the fortress by pouring water over gunpowder supplies, leading to its surrender. This unforeseen incident made the stronghold an easy target for the attacking Mackenzies to finally capture.
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