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Foulis Castle
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Foulis (Gaelic "Fo-glais" a streamlet) has of old been the home of Clan Munro. Acquired by a Munro Chief in the early Cl4th. Plans of the original castle are long since lost, but the grounds still contain the site of an C11th Mott (manmade mound topped by a wooden palisade).
The present Castle dates from the middle of Cl8th containing within its attractive Georgian structure the remains of a much earlier and altogether different defensive keep.
Sir Harry Munro returned after the 1745 Rising in which he lost both his father and uncle at the Battle of Falkirk, to find his ancient home destroyed by fire, and set about building the house you see today incorporating what he could of the old Cl6th keep. The courtyard pierced by three arches with its semi-octagonal tower dated 1754 hints at an earlier form of Scottish architecture, whilst the overall effect of the range of Cl8th domestic buildings, coachhouses, laundry, bakehouse, stables and well, shows a strong continental influence.
The slightly later and more formal Georgian front features a fine double entrance stair leading to a doorway formed from a first floor window in the pedimented centre piece with its heraldic panel dated 1777. The short end elevations have elegant full height angled bays. The whole, very much in the manner of one of the Adams brothers.
Little has changed since, Foulis remains externally much as it was first built. Internally alterations made by succeeding generations add to the character of this interesting old building (still occupied by the Munros of Foulis), by here and there allowing glimpses of the vestiges of earlier architectural form exposed during renovations which can only hint as to how the Castle might have once looked.
Foulis Castle is 4 miles north east of Dingwall on the old road to Evanton and is open by appointment only as it is a private residence. An alternative route to the castle is to take the A9 road over the Cromarty Firth bridge, you will pass the Storehouse of Foulis on the right (you should go in there for your lunch) and then branch of to Evanton (B817), just before you enter the village take the road to the left (Drummond Road), approx 2 miles you should see the castle on the right, there is a narrow road (which can be easily missed) which takes you to the entrance to the drive, the entrance has two pillars with eagles on top, drive down and go to the front of the castle.
There is no charge for your visit but a contribution to the castle restoration fund is always welcome.
To avoid disappointment email info@clanmunro.org.uk or write to :-
Mrs. E. Munro of Foulis
Foulis Castle
Evanton
Ross-shire
Scotland
IV16 9UX
