Graphics copyright © Scotavia Images
Scottish Castles Photo Library
- Castle Grant, Badenoch and Strathspey
Graphics copyright © Scotavia Images
A Nottinghamshire land-owner named Le Grand obtained land in Strathspey in the 13th century, founding the powerful clan which spread over Strathspey and the Grampian mountains into Aberdeenshire. The Grants supported Robert the Bruce in the 14th century and John and Randolph de Grant were captured at the Battle of Dunbar in 1296. Around the time when they were released, the family obtained lands at Glenmoriston and Glen Urquhart, which is still in the clan ownership.
The first authenticated chief of the Highland clan was Sir Ian Grant who was Sheriff of Inverness in 1434. In 1493 the Grant lands became the barony of Freuchie and Sir James Grant built a castle there in 1536. Originally called Castle Freuchie it was renamed Castle Grant at the end of the 17th century. The original Z-plan tower house was enlarged considerably in 1750 and later, creating the projecting lower wings and paved courtyard.
Like most clans, the Grants had occasional feuds with their neighbours and they joined the Campbells against the Gordons of Huntly in 1594. The Grants were loyal to the crown in the Civil War in the mid-17th century and joined the Marquis of Montrose on his campaign after the Battle of Inverlochy. Grants also gave shelter to the MacGregors during the persecution of that clan as there had been a long history of alliance between the two. Later, the Laird of Grant supported William and Mary and their government and did not get involved in the Jacobite Uprisings of 1715 and 1745 although the Grants of Glenmoriston and others in the clan supported the Stewarts. In 1766 Sir James Grant established Grantown-on-Spey, building mills and factories there.
Robert Burns visited Castle Grant in 1787. The Grants were elevated to the title of Earls of Seafield in 1811.
In the 19th century the 27th chief of Clan Grant had a serious dispute with his brothers and the estates were split up, the Seafield Earldom was lost to the chief of the clan but the line continued with the title Lord Strathspey of Strathspey.
Note: The photos of Castle Grant on this page are copyright Scotavia Images who provide a quality aerial photography service for Scotland. Prints from their large online gallery are available for purchase. If you have ancestors with a Scottish Highland origin, they can provide an aerial view of the area they came from!
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