Appendix B
Castle at Loch an Eilean - Hearths, Chambers, Traces Euan Gray
This appendix follows a series of sketches and photos under the theme ‘Hearths, Chambers, Traces’, the inspiration for which was a trip to the castle ruins at Loch an Eilean on the Rothiemurchus Estate, near Aviemore. There are also several ruined, or semi derelict crofts and farm buildings in the area, again these are inspiration for these images. Like much of this area of Scotland, the castle is home to a rich and often dark history - a little searching revealed it to be the home of the infamously cruel Alexander Stewart, also known by the name the ‘Wolf of Badenoch’, burner of Elgin Catherdral in 1390. The castle served as his home, and as a torturous prison for his enemies. Since his death, it has passed through the hands of various clans, and currently rests in the hands of the Clan Grant. The last prisoner in its chambers was Mackintosh of Ballnespick, who was imprisoned here to prevent him rising up against the Jacobites. There is a feeling here that each of these ancient stories has etched itself into the stone of the castle, leaving only traces for the imagination. The harsh scottish weather has steadily destroyed the physical fabric, slowly revealing then demolishing as time passes. There is a sense of the castle slumping back into the loch, returning to the bedrock from which it was hewn. Around the loch are traces of quarries, post holes and settlements, each slowly dissapearing. Further to the west, near a site of ancient hill forts, there is evidence of the Highland clearances in a group of abandoned houses. These simple timber and corrugated iron dwellings are collasping under their own weight, assisted again by the harsh weather. One cannot help but think of the past inhabitants when one peers through the glassless windows and sees traces of wallpaper still clinging to its walls. Many thanks to Alf at the Rothiemurchus Estate for sharing his stories and lending us the boat.
traces
castle at loch an eilean
hearths, chambers, stairs