1 THE GARDENS AT REDCASTLE

These gardens are in the grounds of Redcastle. The castle and grounds are in ruins. Some restoration work is on-going and bars have been erected on Redcastle as protection against falling masonary and the gardens have been cleared and levelled and some access points have been closed.

ishop Robert Forbes in August 1762 wrote after a visit to Redcastle:

“Reidcastle is an ancient stronghold, the iron-gate still entire.  I went upon the top of the house, five stories high, and had a most beautiful prospect of a fine corn country up and down the Frith of Kessock or Bewly, which is the head of Inverness Frith, Reidcastle being close upon it, and thereby having the advantage of salmon and white fish.  Here are fine gardens declining to the sun, and abounding with fruits, apricocks,  peaches, nectarines, bonum-magnums*, etc., diversified with a den of barren wood, a rivulet running down the bottom, upon which are two corn-milns.  The kirk and manse of Reidcastle are near to the seat, which is also beautiful with two birch woods." 

*A variety of plum

The Ordnance Survey Map of 1873 shows the castle and beautifully laid out gardens.