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The reasons most people go to Loch Ness is to see Nessie the legendary monster, but as we have determined I am most definately not most people!  I went to see Castle Urquhart. Pronunciation of this rather old Scottish name is "Urkut". The drive to get to the castle along the banks of the Caledonian Canal and Loch Ness were one of the best in Scotland.  By the way, the English pronounce loch as lock, the Scottish (and what I was informed correct) pronunciation is to make the "ch" on the end sound like you are clearing your throat!  I certainly practiced it enough and that is the best way I know to described the sound. LOL

Castle Urquhart has taken a back seat seat to Nessie which in my opinion was to generate a business in what used to be a small quiet fishing town. Folklore took over and the visitors there don't realize there is a historical castle there unless they research Loch Ness first.
Castle Urquhart sits on Strone Point on Loch Ness and was once one of the biggest castles in Scotland but is now in ruins and has been for more than 200 years.
This sign is on the path to the castle and reads:
There has been a castle here since the 12th century.
Prior to that, a prehistoric fortification crowned the
hill [directly in view behind the plaque]. Urquhart may
also have been the stronghold of Brude, king of the
Picts, whom St. Columba visited in the 6th century
A.D. It is from the story of his visit that the Loch Ness
Monster (Aquatalis Bestia) is first mentioned, from
whose jaws one of his monks had a narrow escape.
The castle played an active and bloody part in the
formation and development of Scotland but was
effectively abandoned, both as a fortress and residence,
by 1700.''
This Urquhart as seen from the top of the path. The castle was defended by Robert the Bruce and was subjected to various other battles but was filled with explosives and blown up to save it from the Jacobites.

To learn more about the history of this great battle fortress check out these links.
Commanding the Glen
Wee Guides to Castle Urquhart
Scotland Calling
Chatelaines Scottish Castles
Castle Urquhart

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