Secrets of Castle Tioram Revealed by a Highlander Clan Ancestor
“Walk where your ancestors walked.” ~ Alyse.
Grey clouds hung heavily in the skies as my travel buddy and I slowly made our approach to Castle Tioram. Excitement began to build in my chest as I steadily stepped out of our hire car onto the muddy ground below. We’d finally arrived after navigating some pretty dodgy roads not usually fit for sports cars to get to our destination.
But the unease created by the questionable road to get to Castle Tioram was quickly forgotten. This was it, my ancestor’s castle I’d waited so long to visit!
It’s safe to say Castle Tioram has endured her fair share of battles over the centuries. But even today a battle still surrounds her, just not in the way you may think. Read on to find out more!
Why visit Castle Tioram?
Do you know if your ancestors owned a castle? On finding out in recent years that my ancestors did, I made a promise to myself that I’d go and visit it in person someday. That day came a little while ago and it was one of the most special travel experiences I’ve ever had.
If you ever visit this spellbinding fortress of Scotland, you’ll feel as though you’re being teleported back in time like you’re on an episode of “Outlander”. Well, that’s how it felt for me (minus Jack Randall, thankfully). Even though I live on the other side of the world, I had an overwhelming feeling of being at home, right there next to this castle ruin overlooking Loch Moidart. Who would have thought?
It’s really hard for me to articulate but when I was there I felt a strong sense of belonging. I’m a direct descendant of these people who fought against the Crown many times over this castle and for what they believed in.
This is where my clan resided; where my ancestors walked. It was such a special moment for me, one I’ll never forget.
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Early History of Castle Tioram
Castle Tioram (pronounced “Cheerum” in Gaelic) dates back to the 14th century and was the traditional seat of my ancestor’s clan, the Macdonalds of Clanranald. Highland clans each owned a region of land and wore a customised tartan and clan crest to identify themselves from other clans.
You can find a map of the different Highland clans here. Perhaps you’ll be surprised to see your surname!
Archaeological evidence suggests that Vikings were once present at this strategic location where Loch Moidart and River Shiel meet. Artefacts have been found in the area that date back to the Bronze Age, around the 7th century. Maybe I have Viking in my blood…
This castle was important for the region as it would have controlled the busy shipping routes from the South Hebridean islands and Skye. It is connected to the mainland by a sandbar and becomes an island at high tide.
Troubled times for Castle Tioram today
Today, the castle is a ruin. During my visit a small handful of people momentarily paused from the nearby walking track and admired the castle before continuing on their way. I wondered if I was somehow related to any of them as I didn’t expect people would visit Castle Tioram unless they knew to look for it.
With no public access to the castle’s inside due to dangers of falling rocks, this was a little disappointing to me but I accepted it. I personally can’t stand when tourists break the rules of a site in order to get a photo, so I wasn’t about to! I try to be an Invisible Tourist, after all.
Making my way through the thick shrubs surrounding the castle, I was excited to look out across Loch Moidart from different vantage points. I sat on one of the large rocks nearby and contemplated the events that occurred here over the centuries.
Sometimes it’s crazy to think that I exist today because of a successful line of people who controlled and fought for this area. There was something very humbling about that!
Why Castle Tioram is a spellbinding ruin
For centuries, this castle has been the site of many battles. Even today a battle is still raging, although not in the traditional sense with swords and bloodshed.
Allan, 14th Chief of Clanranald, followed the tradition of torching the castle in 1715 so it could not fall into the hands of his enemies after he elected to live elsewhere. During the 19th century the castle changed hands a number of times until 1997, which leads us to the current situation – arguably one of Scotland’s most shameful disputes.
After successfully purchasing the castle at auction in 1997, the owner wished to carry out restoration works and convert the castle into a private residence and clan museum. The request was denied by Historic Scotland as Castle Tioram is listed as a Scheduled Monument, therefore the board favours stabilising the castle as a ruin.
Despite approval from Highland Council to proceed with restoration work and a public inquiry, the stand-off continues to this day while the castle is slowly crumbling into the loch its previous owners throughout history fought so hard to protect.
For the sake of my ancestors, I truly hope a solution can be reached soon before the castle completely falls into disrepair and this treasure of Scottish cultural significance is lost forever.
Planning Your Visit to Castle Tioram
Interested in visiting my ancestor’s castle for yourself? Maybe it’s you ancestor’s castle, too! Here’s what you need to know to prepare for your visit.
How to get to Castle Tioram
Castle Tioram is about 80kms west of Fort William on the A830 and A861 and is accessible by car. Although, be warned from Dorlinn the last few miles of road are a bit sketchy as it’s a private road. It’s a good idea to check the tide information here before your visit to see whether the ruin will be accessible on land or whether it will become an island during your visit. Either way, it will be a marvellous sight to see!
Keep in mind, the grass surrounding the castle can be quite marshy. You REALLY need to watch where you step to avoid getting soggy shoes!
Where to Stay near Castle Tioram
Fort William is the nearest large town and has many accommodation options. You can find a list of hotels and B&B’s for the traditional Scottish experience here.
Interesting facts about Castle Tioram
- If you’re a fan of the CW TV series “Reign” based on the life of Mary, Queen of Scots, you may be surprised to learn that Queen Regent of Scotland Mary de Guise ordered a storming of Castle Tioram in 1544. She wanted to bring it under control of the Scottish Crown.
- During the 1745 Jacobite Uprising, Castle Tioram was used as storage for artillery intended for Bonnie Prince Charlie’s army. Unfortunately the young Clanranalds were stretched thin and exhausted. This resulted in a failure to deliver weapons to the Stuart army in time.
- In 1855 during some clearing and restoration work, the owners discovered a collection of Spanish coins and silver dollars hidden beneath the burnt debris. These were given to the Clanranald family.
- The castle remained in the Clanranald family until the early 20th century, almost 600 years!
If you’re looking to add more sights to your Scottish road trip, here’s inspiration for what to on Skye Island, as written by a fellow blogger.
That concludes my visit to Castle Tioram and everything I’ve come to learn about her history. Have you ever been so far away from home, but felt like you were actually right at home? Where has this been for you? I’d love to hear your story. You can join me on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and Pinterest for more hidden gems!
Until next time,
NOTE: With thanks to one of my readers, author Regan Walker, for this interesting piece of additional information and ideas for further reading:“In my research for a novel I am writing in a new series (the Clan Donald Saga), I discovered that this castle was one of Somerled’s castles so it is earlier than the 14th century. Most likely 12th century. See Somerled, Hammer of the Norse, by Kathleen MacPhee, at p. 63. MacPhee’s book is one of 40 I have for my research and it’s very good should you want to check it out.”
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Hello Alyse, I visited Castle Tioram last year and it’s still standing! A beautiful spot.
Regarding Allan’s torching of the castle, my local historian uncle at Glenfinnan said the story goes that Allan, having second sight, knew that he would not survive the battle he was going to (the 1715 uprising) and gave instructions in secret that when his company had disappeared over the hill, fire was to be set to the castle.
My uncle also said we have an ancestor who lived at Castle Tioram, but I forgot to note her name.
Hi Duncan, thank you for sharing this extra info, I appreciate it!
Thanks for reading 😊
I have visited Castle Tioram many times in the thirty years I have been coming to this part of the world on holiday. You can imagine my surprise and shock when recently I discovered that it is also my ancestral home. My 5th times great grandfather was Donald MacDonald of Kinlochmoidart who was ADC to “Bonnie Prince Charlie”. Unfortunately he was captured and executed at Carlisle. His son Allan MacDonald was fostered by a Jacobite family called Hodgson of Tone Hall in Northumberland, and it is through Allan that I am decended . It was by pure chance that I found him as part of my genealogical research. I have also visited Kinlochmoidart Estate and Armadale Castle, and now feel very close to Clanranald.
Wow that’s all so fascinating! The connection of the castle to Bonnie Prince Charlie is an interesting one. Thanks for sharing your story, Sandra 😊
Thank you so much! I am visiting this ruin in 2 weeks from America. I am a direct descendent as well! I’d been trying to find a tide schedule. Very much appreciate the link.
I hope you enjoy your time at the castle, Katie!
Hello Alyse, randomly I came across your very interesting article. Unfortunately I’ve no ancestral history, I just fell in love with this place when I moved from Germany to Acharacle in 2010. I started photography a couple of years after our move. One of my favourite places for taking picture is (maybe is my favourite of all places ever) Castle Tioram. Love to be there as much as I can. Sunsets, night sky and northern lights are always spectacular. Best wishes from Salen, where I live now and run a BnB. Pop in if you come back to the area 🙂
Ella
Oh wow Ella, I’d love to see your photography of Castle Tioram!
It would be so stunning at different times of the day and ESPECIALLY with the Northern Lights at a backdrop, what a dream.
What is the name of your B&B? If I am ever in the area I’ll make sure to visit 🙂
Historic Scotland reject the owner’s plans to restore Tioram Castle. Yet Mingary Castle was given permission because it sits on private land not easily accessible to the public. Sadly, the owner passed away last year. I wonder what the final fate of Castle Tioram will be. I say restore the castle. There are way too many ruined castles. Many of which was the result of the owners not maintaining them.
I agree, Dan! I wish it were possible to restore Castle Tioram right now. It’s such a shame about the stalemate 😞
I hope you are still posting. My great-great-great-great grandfather was Hugh (Ban) MacEachern, who married to Mary MacDonald niece of the Laird of Kinlochmoidart, John MacDonald, ClanRanald. Hugh was responsible for the great walled garden that still has reminants today. Castle Tioram was a ruin by the time Sir John leased the brig Alexander and brought our family to St. John’s Island (now Prince Edward Island) in 1772 during the Highland Clearances. This group of 200 settlers are known as the Glenaladale Settlers. A lot of that history is still here on the Island including Glenaladale Estate. We know the ties of the MacEacherns to the MacDonalds, but cannot find Hugh’s parents, as the original Kinlochmoidart Castle was burned to the ground after Culloden. MacDonald Clan Ranald were some of the first supporters of the “Bonnie Prince” Charles Stuart and the “Seven Men of Moidart” still stand (or most of them anyway) at Kinlochmoidart. The house that stands there was rebuilt in the 1800s. I would love to know if anyone with history of that time knows of the MacEachern roots in Moidart and/or Movern. (P.S. My grandfather was a MacEachern — the change in spelling took place at my dad’s generation but as his father died when my dad was three, he never knew why.
Wow, that’s all so interesting! I hadn’t heard of Kinlochmoidart Estate before so I am going to look into it now.
Thank you for sharing all this information and for reading my post 😊
I too am a direct descendent of Hugh Ban MacEachern.