Castle Varrich - Caisteal Bharraich

Castle Varrich (Scottish Gaelic: Caisteal Bharraich) is  located near to the coastal village of Tongue (Scottish Gaelic: Tunga) and overlooks the sea loch of the Kyle of Tongue (Scottish Gaelic: Caol Thunga) in the north Scottish Highlands. It's construction date is not known although it is possible that the site is over 1000 years old and built over an old Norse fort or perhaps a broch. Castle Varrich is said to have been the ancient seat of the chief of the Clan Mackay.

Castle Varrich appears to have been built without the use of mortar and its walls are at  least 5ft  thick. The castle had two floors and an attic with a wooden roof. The ground floor has a door on the north wall but there is no evidence of stairs  between the two floors. The upper floor entrance, which was on the south side is thought to have been accessed by a removable ladder of some type. It is believed there is a system of caves under the castle. Over recent years work has been undertaken in the castle to provide access to a viewing platform that allows visitors a higher viewpoint over the Kyle of Tongue.

Image: Castle Varrich image courtesy of The Northern Times.

Link: Visit Scotland Kyle of Tongue.