What is recorded here
Archibald Douglas, earl of Moray, built the great hall at Darnaway in 1450, leaving an open oak roof large enough for 1000 men. The hall survived the loss of the Douglas estates because King James completed the work Archibald began, turning a forfeited stronghold into a royal residence. The building still stands beside the later country house, preserving the moment when martial ambition became domestic memory.
Scotland's National Record of the Historic Environment records Darnaway Castle as Banqueting Hall (15th Century), Country House (19th Century), Motte (medieval)(possible). The official map says its point is accurate as follows: NGR given to the nearest 1m. The record does not by itself mean that the public may enter the place.
Darnaway Castle was originally built by the powerful Clan Mackenzie in the 15th century and later expanded in the 19th century as a country house. It is important as a historic seat of the Mackenzies of Kintail and as a well-preserved example of Scottish medieval and later architecture.
The historic-place record does not grant public access. Check current conditions and ownership before entering land or a building.
Places near here
Darnaway, WhitemireFarmstead (period Unassigned) · 1010 yd
BerryleyCropmark(s) (period Unknown), Ring Ditch(s) (period Unassigned) · 1339 yd
Cooperhill FarmCropmark(s) (period Unknown) · 1433 yd
CooperhillFarmstead (period Unassigned) · 1487 yd
MundoleTower House (medieval)(possible) · 1.6 mi
Rodney's StoneHeritage attraction · 1.7 mi
Raffpark WoodForest · 1.8 mi
Brodie Castle PoliciesEstate (18th Century), Formal Garden(s) (18th Century) · 1.9 mi
Brodie CastleCastle (16th Century), Country House (19th Century), Sundial(s) (post Medieval), Tower House (16th Century) · 1.9 mi
Hardmuir WoodForest · 2.1 mi
Fairyhills QuarryNo Class (event) (period Unassigned) · 2.1 mi
Dallas Dhu DistilleryNo Class (event) (period Unassigned) · 2.8 miOther information
Photo: Anne Burgess · CC BY-SA 2.0