Rait Castle

Heritage Site in Nairnshire

Scotland

Rait Castle

Minor road junction at Burnside of Geddes
Minor road junction at Burnside of Geddes Credit: Douglas Nelson

Rait Castle, located in Nairnshire, Scotland, is a historic site that holds significant cultural and architectural value. Dating back to the 13th century, Rait Castle is a well-preserved example of a medieval tower house. It was once a stronghold of the Clan Mackintosh, a powerful Scottish clan, and played a vital role in the local history.

The castle is situated on a small hill overlooking the surrounding countryside, providing strategic advantage and a commanding view. Constructed primarily using local stone, the tower house stands three stories tall and features thick walls, narrow windows, and a vaulted basement. The architecture exemplifies the defensive nature of such structures, with the entrance door located on the upper floor, accessible only by external wooden stairs that could be retracted during times of attack.

Various additions and modifications were made to the castle over the centuries, reflecting changing architectural tastes and requirements. However, the original character and charm of the medieval tower house remain intact. Visitors can explore the different levels of the castle, including the vaulted basement, the great hall, and the upper floors, which offer panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.

Rait Castle is a popular destination for history enthusiasts and tourists alike, providing a glimpse into Scotland's rich heritage. Its picturesque location, combined with its historical significance, makes it an attractive place for visitors to learn about the medieval period and experience the architectural splendor of the past.

If you have any feedback on the listing, please let us know in the comments section below.

Rait Castle Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 57.55/-3.847 or Grid Reference NH8952. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Minor road junction at Burnside of Geddes
Minor road junction at Burnside of Geddes
View of a Junction Junction of the A939 and B9101
View of a Junction
Junction of the A939 and B9101
Grassy forestry road near Hill of Urchany
Grassy forestry road near Hill of Urchany
Forestry road near Hill of Urchany
Forestry road near Hill of Urchany
Poly tunnels at nursery at New Fleenas
Poly tunnels at nursery at New Fleenas
Old track near Laiken Brae
Old track near Laiken Brae
Overgrown forestry road in Knockoudie Wood
Overgrown forestry road in Knockoudie Wood
Overgrown forestry road in Knockoudie Wood
Overgrown forestry road in Knockoudie Wood
Rait Castle HDR image of Rait Castle. Approached by a very muddy track.
Rait Castle
HDR image of Rait Castle. Approached by a very muddy track.
Raitloan Service Reservoir This, almost concealed among the trees, is marked on the maps as a water tower, and presumably supplies the nearby town of Nairn.
Raitloan Service Reservoir
This, almost concealed among the trees, is marked on the maps as a water tower, and presumably supplies the nearby town of Nairn.
Raitloan The farm house, seen from the junction of the minor road with the B9101.
Raitloan
The farm house, seen from the junction of the minor road with the B9101.
Raitloan Farm The farm buildings, seen here from the junction of the minor road with the B9101.
Raitloan Farm
The farm buildings, seen here from the junction of the minor road with the B9101.
Glacial Meltwater Channel Instantly recognisable because burn flowing through it. The burn has been straightened, and its course is diagonally across the view.
Glacial Meltwater Channel
Instantly recognisable because burn flowing through it. The burn has been straightened, and its course is diagonally across the view.
Looking towards Park Some of the houses at park can be seen across an assortment of field gates opposite Foynesfield.
Looking towards Park
Some of the houses at park can be seen across an assortment of field gates opposite Foynesfield.
Foynesfield A row of modern cottages lines the B9101close to its junction with the A939.
Foynesfield
A row of modern cottages lines the B9101close to its junction with the A939.
Field and Forest The River Nairn is beyond the belt of trees in the distance.
Field and Forest
The River Nairn is beyond the belt of trees in the distance.
Unclassified Road to Crook Crook Farm is out of sight, among the trees beyond the summit of the road.
Unclassified Road to Crook
Crook Farm is out of sight, among the trees beyond the summit of the road.
Unseasonal Whins There is a saying, "When the whin's not in flower, courting's out of fashion", which is interpreted as meaning that whin in flower cane be found all year round. However it's not usual to see whole swathes of flowering whins in February. Last spring, the whins had been blasted by two hard winters, and the usual spring display did not occur. This year, they have been flowering off and on all winter. Will they have the strength, I wonder, to flower again at the proper time of year, when there will be pollinating insects available? We don't have long to wait to find out.
Unseasonal Whins
There is a saying, "When the whin's not in flower, courting's out of fashion", which is interpreted as meaning that whin in flower cane be found all year round. However it's not usual to see whole swathes of flowering whins in February. Last spring, the whins had been blasted by two hard winters, and the usual spring display did not occur. This year, they have been flowering off and on all winter. Will they have the strength, I wonder, to flower again at the proper time of year, when there will be pollinating insects available? We don't have long to wait to find out.
Show me another place!

Rait Castle is located at Grid Ref: NH8952 (Lat: 57.55, Lng: -3.847)

What 3 Words

///gears.goofy.shepherdess. Near Nairn, Highland

Nearby Locations

Rait Castle

Related Wikis

Rait Castle

Rait Castle is a ruined hall-house castle dating from the thirteenth century, situated just south of Nairn near Inverness, Scotland. It is a scheduled...

Geddes, Highland

Geddes (Scottish Gaelic: Geadais) is a small village located 5 km to the south of Nairn, in the Highland council area of Scotland. == Geddes House == Geddes...

Geddes House

The Geddes House is a Georgian Neoclassical style building near Nairn, Scotland. It was built in 1780 for George Mackintosh and is currently self-catering...

Regoul

Regoul is a small rural hamlet, located 4.5 miles south of Nairn, in Nairnshire, Scottish Highlands and is in the Scottish council area of Highland....

Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 57.55,-3.847
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.

Have you been to Rait Castle?

Leave your review of Rait Castle below (or comments, questions and feedback).