Red Castle

Not a very promising morning but went off in the afternoon to Redcastle - a small hamlet of just a few houses on the north shore of the Beauly Firth. Clearly it takes its name from the castle pictured above and the red sandstone building material was quarried locally. The village is beautifully situated and I don't know whether it is a communal effort or just a few individuals but someone has made a real effort to make it a place to stop. There is a small parking place with wonderful views over the Firth and the road verges have been planted with several small roadside gardens - a wonderful show of plants and flowers. And an oar fixed to the wall has "Eton 1931" written on the blade. According to Martin Coventry's book on Scottish castles the basic castle is 16th century although it incorporates parts of an earlier 12th century castle. I noticed a date stone on one side which said 1641 RMk - I think this would refer to one of the McKenzies who held the castle for quite a long period. During World War II it was used to house troops but is now roofless and in a dangerous state. One of those treasures which is so near and yet I have never visited until today, although I have been to the village a few times. The weather bucked up whilst I was there and there seem to be some nice walks in the area with chances of seeing wildlife - although flying insects seemed to be in the ascendant here. I did see a squirrel. Returned very slowly via the coast road and Charleston.