Castle Leod
Highland, Scotland
Photo: Craig Wallace, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Gallery: Colin Hepburn from Sale, UK, CC BY-SA 2.0 · Worldfootage, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Key facts
- Operator
- Earl of Cromartie / Clan Mackenzie
- Condition
- Intact
- Access
- Limited tour days
- Nearest station
- Dingwall, 4.2 miles (straight-line)
- Stays
- Overnight accommodation available
- Note
- ~25 open days yearly plus private tours by arrangement
Pinpoint
Castle Leod, Strathpeffer IV14 9AA
Possible Opening Hours*
*Opening times change. Always check the official website before you travel.
| Monday | Closed |
| Tuesday | 2:59 – 3:00 AM |
| Wednesday | Closed |
| Thursday | Closed |
| Friday | Closed |
| Saturday | Closed |
| Sunday | Closed |
A private Highland castle still occupied by the Earl of Cromartie and Clan Mackenzie, open to the public on only around 25 days a year plus arranged private tours. What you get in exchange for the limited access is a living connection to the family rather than a museum piece - reviewers describe meeting the Earl himself and hearing clan history from guides who clearly know it firsthand.
At a glance
Worth the trip
The chance the current Earl of Cromartie is on site and willing to talk - several reviewers describe this as the highlight of their whole Scotland trip.
Before you go
Check the open-day calendar carefully before travelling, since public access is genuinely limited to a handful of dates a year plus arranged private tours.
What visitors say
Castle Leod reviews · 4.6 / 5 across 182 Google reviews
Recent reviews on file are all five-star, and visitors consistently highlight Castle Leod's living history - the Cromartie family still occupies the castle, and several reviewers mention meeting or hearing stories about the current Earl, with guides praised as excellent storytellers.
A couple of reviews note it's only open on select open days, so it's worth checking availability before visiting, but no other downsides are mentioned.
“I am so excited that I was able to visit before the tours ended for the year. Thank you, Cabarfeidh, for opening a small portion of your life to us.”- Tamara Hays, visitor review
History
Sir Roderick Mackenzie · early 17th century
John of Killin received Castle Leod after his service at the Battle of Flodden in 1513. Sir Roderick Mackenzie rebuilt and enhanced it in the early 17th century, creating its current L-shaped tower house form. The castle has remained the seat of the Earls of Cromartie and Clan Mackenzie continuously for over five centuries.
Adapted from this castle's Wikipedia article, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Practical notes from visitors
Quoted from individual Google reviews, not verified with the operator - treat as a steer, not gospel, and check before you travel.
- Guided tours
- “Our guide was Sonny, who is a fantastic story teller if you're fortunate enough to get him.” - Russ Lowenthal
Common questions about Castle Leod
Where is Castle Leod?
Castle Leod is in Highland, Scotland, at Castle Leod, Strathpeffer IV14 9AA.
How do you visit Castle Leod?
Castle Leod opens on limited tour days rather than every day, and is looked after by Earl of Cromartie / Clan Mackenzie. Because the dates are restricted, check the official site and book ahead before travelling.
Can you stay overnight at Castle Leod?
Yes - Castle Leod offers bookable accommodation, so you can spend the night in the castle itself or within its grounds. See the Castles You Can Sleep In guide for the full list and how each stay works.
What is the highlight of visiting Castle Leod?
The chance the current Earl of Cromartie is on site and willing to talk - several reviewers describe this as the highlight of their whole Scotland trip.
Is Castle Leod a ruin or still intact?
Castle Leod is largely intact - ~25 open days yearly plus private tours by arrangement.
