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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Thank you for sharing this. I am a direct descendent of Donald MacDonald IV of Kinlochmoidart. He is my great-great-great-great-great grandfather. He was captured at the Battle of Culloden and executed in 1746. His son was Angus MacDonald Pioneer. But he grew up in Castle Tioram. One day I hope to see it for myself. Most of the MacDonalds traveled to Nova Scotia and then to the United States. Be well.
I love how people are sharing their ancestral stories here 😊
That’s wonderful you were able to trace back your ancestry so far, John! Ohhh Culloden, I’m sorry, that must have been awful for Donald MacDonald IV. But what an important part of history he fought in. I now wish I had visited the battlefield during my time in Scotland to pay my respects.
I hope your wish to see Castle Tioram in person comes true someday! I’ve also heard that many of the Macdonalds went to Nova Scotia, it was my great grandfather who ended up in Australia, where I’m from 🇦🇺
Thanks so much for sharing your findings and take care!
Kia ora and Hi all. Alyse it was nice to email you before I travelled to Scotland in May 2019. Im part Maori and am from New Zealand Aotearoa. I am also part Clanranald and very proud of it. I found it hard to get a bit of the tarten but will look on the internet. I too visited this amazing castle on my journeys. I cried and cried and knew I had a connection with the place. like others my gggrandfather came out from Scotland as an Engineer and drove the first train into Palmerston North in NZ. This has been great Alyse. I will send you a couple of pics of me on your private email. once again thankyou and hi whanau as we will possibly be related somehow. from Lisa Allan x
Hi Lisa!
So lovely to hear from you again, and I’m delighted to hear you made it to Castle Tioram 😃
It is quite a moving spot, especially knowing it’s where our ancestors would have walked.
Thank you so much for sending me your photos, they are really lovely and capture the feeling of our ancestor’s home perfectly.
Knowing that I helped make your visit that extra little bit special means the world to me, thank you for sharing your wonderful experience!
I would Love to go visit my ancestral home soon , only recently found out that I am also a descendant of the Clanranald , I’ve always had such a strong attraction towards Scotland, My Grandfather’s, Father moved from Scotland to come build railway tracks in SA. This is so amazing I love the history behind all of this.
Oh I love receiving comments like this, Kimberly! I’m a firm believer that we have attractions to places that our ancestors once inhabited. I hope you get to live your dream and visit Scotland someday! Thanks for reading 😊
It’s my dream to visit Tioram. My parents, grandparents have visited, my great grandparents lived near there but like most families not know for sure! My father said he found it but sadly he passed before I could get it! But going through his things I found his old floppy disk, all marked Allan. There’s about 6 or 7, hope my son and I can go through them and find his research. Thx for your info, I’ll be following you! If I find any thing interesting I’ll will share!
Carlton Allan Troy
Wow that’s amazing, Carlton! I hope you find those disks as well and can read what your father found. How interesting! Yes, if you find out anything not mentioned in this article feel free to let me know, I’d love to hear 🙂 Thanks for your comment and good luck!
I was thwarted from my visit this year, and take solace in your commentary. I did visit in 2015. The cottage just pass the car park, on way to Castle Tioram was the birthplace of my grandmother Flora.
Oh wow, we parked our car right by that adorable cottage. It would have such a lovely view of the castle from there! Thanks for sharing that your grandmother was born there, how special you had the chance to visit 😊
I visited Castle Tioram back in the year 2000 and like you, felt an overwhelming sense of familiarity there! I was actually looking around Kinlochmoidart since I had traced my MacDonald ancestors to there and as I drove away, saw a tiny little sign that said Castle Tioram with an arrow pointing down the little road. Well, I never pass up a castle so I turned down the lane towards it. My daughters, 18 and 10 at the time, were with me and I could feel and hear their sighs, as if to say, ANOTHER castle, Mom?! But even they were thrilled when we got there and walked over to the castle. Like you said, to think, my own blood kin had lived in that area and maybe even inside the castle for centuries! My 4th gr.grandfather had sailed to PEI, then Nova Scotia, where he had started a new life for his family. His granddaughter then married a Newfoundlander, her granddaughter married an Iowa farmer, and here I am on a ranch in Oklahoma, yet there I was, back where it began. What an amazing experience and I hope I can get back there once more in this life! Thank you for sharing your experience there!
Wow what an incredible story, Stephanie! It truly is amazing to visit the exact spot where it all began. I hope you get back there someday again, too! Thank you so much for sharing such a lovely memory 😊
I am a descendant of the MacDonalds of Clanranald too. I hope to see my ancestral home one of these days. Thank you for the article. Let’s hope that smarter heads prevail and work can begin soon to preserve Castle Tioram.
Thanks for your comment, Anne! Perhaps we are distant relatives 🙂 I hope you get to see it too, it’s a really wonderful feeling to visit. I agree – let’s hope something can be done sooner rather than later!
Yes, I know exactly what you mean! I visited Donegal in Ireland a few years ago, which is where my Dad’s family hail from. I’ve never felt more at home anywhere in the world. It’s what you suggested – that sense of belonging. I do hope Historic Scotland see some sense and the castle gets saved. How frustrating for the new owner as well.
How wonderful for you to visit! It is quite a surreal feeling, that sense of belonging – I’m glad you felt the same about Donegal. Ireland is such a beautiful part of the world! Yes, I really hope so too. It would be a shame for so much history to be lost forever, time waits for no one unfortunately.