About Kilcoy Castle
Kilcoy Castle is a well-preserved 16th-century Z-plan tower house in the interior of the Black Isle, built by the Mackenzie family around 1618. The castle is notable for its strikingly intact round towers at diagonally opposite corners — the hallmark of Z-plan construction — and was restored in the 20th century after a period of neglect. It remains a private residence and is not open to the public, but the exterior can be seen clearly from the road nearby. For castle architecture enthusiasts, the building is a fine example of Scottish tower house design at the moment the form was maturing.
Highlights
16th-century Z-plan tower house
Partially restored exterior
Black Isle interior location
Private residence — exterior only
Good roadside views
🚐 Motorhome Tip
Private residence — no access to interior or grounds. View from the public road only. Park carefully in a suitable spot on the lane. Combine with a wider Black Isle loop taking in Chanonry Point and Rosemarkie Beach.
Getting There
From Muir of Ord, take the minor road north into the Black Isle interior toward Kilcoy. Castle is visible from the road.
Best Time to Visit
Year round. Short stop only — no facilities.