Castle Menzies

Our 16th-century 'Z-plan' castle is a unique building with an exciting history: occupied by Cromwell's forces in the 1650s, captured by the Jacobites in 1715, and visited by Bonnie Prince Charlie for two nights during 1746 on his way to Culloden, before it was seized by Hanoverian forces. The Castle was the seat of the Chiefs of Clan Menzies for over 400 years. Situated in a strategic location, it was involved in much of the turbulent history of the Highlands. Castle Menzies is a spectacular sixteenth century Scottish castle, restored during the twentieth century by the Menzies Clan Society. Architecturally fascinating, it is a splendid Renaissance example of the transition in Scottish castles from earlier rugged Highland fortresses to later mansion houses. Many of the Castle's rooms remain intentionally unfurnished to allow a better understanding of the structure and fabric of the building, which our visitors greatly appreciate. This is not a plushly furnished family home. Rescued as a ruin in 1957 by the then recently re-formed Menzies Clan Society, the Castle has been lovingly restored from dereliction by generations of Society members and was placed into a charitable trust in 1993. It is open to all as a visitor attraction, museum, Clan centre for the Menzies Clan and venue for weddings, concerts and other hire. All proceeds are exclusively used for the continued restoration and maintenance of the Castle, its Walled Garden and the Old Kirk of Weem.