Huntingtower Castle, PH1 3JR

Huntingtower Castle was built in stages from the 15th century by the Clan Ruthven family and was known for several hundred years as the 'House of Ruthven'. In the summer of 1582, the castle was occupied by the 1st Earl of Gowrie (also 4th Lord Ruthven) and his family. Gowrie was involved in a plot to kidnap King James VI, son of Mary, Queen of Scots, seizing the young king and holding him prisoner for 10 months. This kidnapping is known as the 'Raid of Ruthven'. James eventually escaped and even forgave Gowrie, but after a second abortive attempt by Gowrie to overthrow him, the Kind finally executed Gowrie, and all his property was forfeited to the crown.

The Castle and lands were returned to the Ruthven family in 1586. But in 1600, the brothers John and Alexander Ruthven were implicated in yet another plot to kill King James VI and were executed. This time, the king, as well as seizing the estates, he abolished the name of Ruthven and decreed that any successors would be ineligible to hold titles or lands. The Castle remained in the possession of the crown until 1643 when it was given to the family of Murray of Tullibardine.

John Murray, 1st Duke of Atholl lived in the Castle. The Castle began to be neglected and after his wife, Lady Mary, died in 1767, and was abandoned as a place of residence. Today, the Castle can be visited by the public and is sometimes used as a venue for marriage ceremonies.

Opening Times

Summer
1 April - 30 September
Daily: 9.30 am to 5.30 pm

October
1 October - 31 October
Daily: 9.30 am to 4.30 pm

Winter
1 November - 31 March
Saturday to Wednesday: 9.30 am to 4.30 pm

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Ticket Prices

Adult £4.50,
Child £2.70,
Concession £3.60

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Disabled Facilities

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