What is recorded here

Cromarty Castle was a substantial L-plan tower erected in the later 15th century after the Urquharts, hereditary sheriffs since the mid-14th century, received royal permission in 1470 to build a fortalice on the ancient motte. It stood bigger and more sophisticated than any surviving late medieval structure in the area, and in 1632 the father of Sir Thomas Urquhart added an extensive range of domestic buildings. The castle was demolished in 1772 during the construction of Cromarty House, erasing the largest medieval statement of sheriffly power in Easter Ross from the landscape in a single generation.

Scotland's National Record of the Historic Environment records Cromarty Castle as Motte (medieval), Tower House (medieval). The official map says its point is accurate as follows: NGR given to the nearest 10m. The record does not by itself mean that the public may enter the place.

Cromarty Castle was built in the late 13th century by the Keith family, who were influential in the Scottish nobility. It is important as a well-preserved example of a medieval tower house and for its strategic role in the defense of northern Scotland.

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