Redcastle

Redcastle sits on a spit of land jutting into the Beauly Firth, about twenty minutes drive south of Inverness. What you're looking at is a 14th-century fortress that's had a rather complicated life - it's changed hands more times than most of us change jobs, and the current state reflects centuries of Scottish military drama.

You can't get inside (it's private property these days), but the exterior is worth the trip if you're driving through the area anyway. The castle itself is a solid stone tower with walls that have stood up to everything the Highlands could throw at it. The real draw is walking around the grounds and getting a sense of how strategically this was positioned - controlling the firth, watching for trouble coming from the north.

Historically minded visitors will get the most from a visit, though the setting alone makes it photogenic enough for casual tourists. Allow half an hour maximum unless you're doing a proper walk along the firth itself. Summer's better than winter simply because you won't freeze while you're standing about taking photos.

It works as a stop-off if you're basing yourself at Coulmore Bay or Bunchrew Caravan Park - both are close enough for a morning potter. The castle doesn't demand hours; it's more of a "seeing something genuinely old" moment on your way between Inverness and the Black Isle. Real history without the queues you'd face at the bigger attractions.