Urquhart Castle was built in the thirteenth century at the behest of Scottish King Alexander II. The fortress was to defend a strategic route running along the nearby valley. The castle was one of the most important defensive structures in the country over the centuries. For this reason it was conquered and destroyed in numerous wars for power waged by the powerful Scottish clans, each of whom wanted to reign in Urquhart. In the seventeenth century the castle was blown up and after that it was abandoned and fell into disrepair. For some time it has been one of the main attractions of the region – obviously next to the famous Loch Ness monster. The ruins have been protected and opened to the public – tourists may enter the castle’s tower, which is a great attraction for those who seek Nessi.
