Huntingtower Castle, Perth (Perthshire)

Medieval Castle

Summary 13th century buildings (or older) Gift shop Free car parking (on site)

Food and Drinks Picnic area

Introduction

Also known as The House of Ruthven, Huntingtower Castle comprises two fine and complete tower houses. The hall of the eastern tower has fine painted walls and ceiling. The castle is home to two colonies of Natterers and Pipistrelle bats.

Open all year, Apr-Sep, daily 9.30-5.30; Oct, 9.30-4.30; Nov-Mar, Mon-Wed & Sat-Sun 9.30-4.30. Closed 25-26 Dec & 1-2 Jan.

History to the present day

Huntingtower is medieval in origin but has seen significant redevelopment during its colourful history. Two families, the Ruthvens and the Murrays, made it their home and it also played host to royalty: twice to Mary Queen of Scots and once to her son James VI, who was held against his will there for ten months in 1582 during the episode known as the Ruthven Raid.

The Ruthvens held the lands from the 1100s to 1600. One resident in the early 1500s was Katherine Ruthven who later became Lady Glenorchy. In 1600 James VI's patience with the family finally ran out as a result of yet more plotting against him. As a result they were first killed and then tried for high treason; their lands were forfeited; and even the very name of the place, until then Ruthven, was changed - to Huntingtower.

The property was later given by the Crown to the Murrays of Tullibardine. Amongst the family's notable sons was Lord George Murray, who played an important role in the Jacobite uprisings of 1715, 1719 and 1745. During the occupation of John Murray, the first Duke of Atholl, the castle became run down and with the death of his wife in 1767 it was abandoned as a place of residence.

During the occupancy of the House of Ruthven, Huntingtower consisted of two quite separate tower houses built three metres apart, one for each of the sons of William Ruthven. Other buildings were set around the courtyard of the castle precincts.

Food and Drinks

 Picnic area available.

Arrival information and how to find us

Address: Huntingtower Castle, Perthshire, , United Kingdom

Address: Huntingtower Castle, Perth, PH1 3JR.

Directions: Huntingtower Castle is to be found just west of Perth beside the junction of the A9 and the A85 Crieff road.