Inverlochy Castle, that is Old Inverlochy Castle, has a very long and ancient history, where two notable battles were fought in the 1600s.

Fort William's 'other' Inverlochy Castle, is a five-star hotel at Torlundy, which has its own interesting history dated from 1830. Old Inverlochy Castle was built around 1280 by one of the Comwyns, possibly at the command of Edward I of England.

The castle is sited by the banks of  the River Lochy not far from where the river flows into Loch Linnhe, hence the name 'Inver' Lochy. This is a particularly old site and it is said that a treaty between France and the earlier Scots, the Picts was signed here in 790. You can visit the castle ruins quite easily from Fort William - its easy to find - just turn off the A82 at the ESSO filling station, two miles north of the town centre. A short walk across the bridge spanning the river takes you to Lochyside, where looking back presents a magnificent view of the castle ruin and Ben Nevis.

There are great views of Ben Nevis and the castle ruins are a fascinating trip into Lochaber's violent past. It was here on 2nd February 1645 that a bloody battle was fought between the Royalists forces of Montrose defending the castle and the Marquis of Argyll and a Highland army of clansmen.

In the cold light of that February morning the Highlander's attack was beaten back and defeated. It is recorded that over 1500 of Argyll's army was slaughtered and their blood coloured the river red for a while.