On the Trail of Highlands Literature

Explore the historic places which have been a source of literary inspiration in the South East Highlands

The rich history of the Highlands and Islands has often inspired creative minds to visit, learn and write. Shakespeare’s 'Scottish play' Macbeth allegedly drew origins from several castles and monuments within Moray and Nairnshire while Sir Walter Scott’s fascination with the Jacobite cause led to Rob Roy, and the continued interest generated by the Outlander series.

Join us in exploring these inspiring sites with a fascinating itinerary kindly curated by University of the Highlands and Islands BSc (Hons) Archaeology and Environmental Studies student Corey Anderson. Explore Pictish monoliths, medieval castles, and historic battlefields on your journey. This self-guided itinerary features contributions made to the Spirit: Stories archive which can be found here.

On your journey, be responsible and respectful of local communities and wildlife and follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.

Sueno's Stone, Forres
Image provided by Historic Environment Scotland

Sueno’s Stone

Easy to miss when driving through the town of Forres on the A96, Sueno’s Stone is worth stopping for. This 21ft high Pictish monolith, from around the ninth or tenth century, is the tallest carved standing stone surviving in Scotland. Local legend suggests Sueno’s Stone is where Shakespeare’s Macbeth met three witches at a crossroads and that their souls are trapped within the stone.

Brodie Castle

Originally built in 1567, the ancestral home of the Brodie Clan is located outside Forres, off the A96. A small, signposted hill near to the castle is also said to have been “the Blasted Heath” where Macbeth first met the witches in Shakespeare’s play. Just beyond the entrance lies the Rodney Stone, a Pictish symbol stone with various fish monster carvings that was moved to Brodie Castle in the 1830s.

Brodie Castle, Moray
Image provided by VisitScotland/Paul Tomkins

Cawdor Castle, Nairn
Image provided by VisitScotland/ Paul Tomkins

Cawdor Castle

After turning off the A96 at Auldearn, follow the B9101 to find Cawdor Castle, a late medieval tower house with another Shakespeare connection. A prophecy stated that Macbeth would become 'Thane of Cawdor' before becoming king, however Cawdor Castle would not be built for another 300 years after the events of 'the Scottish play' and Macbeth died around 130 years before the title, Thane of Cawdor, was ever granted.

Kilravock Castle

Just 3 miles west from Cawdor is Kilravock Castle. Built in 1460, this estate would host Prince Charles Edward Stuart the night before the Battle of Culloden and later the Scottish poet, Robert Burns. It is also said that author Charles Dickens sent a bookcase here for the tower library.

Kilravock Castle, Nairn
Image provided by Nairn Museum/ Melissa Davies

Culloden Moor, Inverness
Image provided by Visit Scotland/Kenny Lam

Culloden Moor

A 12-minute drive west from Kilravock will take you to the famous Culloden Moor Battlefield and Visitor Centre. In 1746, Culloden was the site for the last pitched battle to be fought on British soil and the end of the Jacobite rebellion. It would later become a popularised setting for the Outlander book and television series.

Inverness Castle

Hard to miss in the city centre, the former home of Inverness Sheriff Court is to be developed into a world-class historic attraction for visitors and locals. In Shakespeare’s Macbeth, Inverness Castle is infamously where Macbeth murders King Duncan and usurps the throne.

Inverness Castle, Inverness
Image provided by Ewen Weatherspoon

Highland Archive Centre, Inverness
Image provided by Spirit of the Highlands and Islands

Highland Archive Centre

Go across the River Ness and follow the river south down Bught Road to reach the Highland Archive Centre. Here you will find several Jacobite letters and manifestos that led to the rebellion and the inspiration for famous literature, such as Sir Walter Scott’s Rob Roy.

Glen Shiel

An hour drive out of town on the A87 will take you to the site of one of Scotland’s forgotten battles. In 1719, the Battle of Glen Shiel was a failed attempt by Jacobite and Spanish soldiers to defeat government forces and march on Inverness. Significantly, this would be the last contribution to the Jacobite Risings for Rob Roy McGregor, who would live on in the writings of Sir Walter Scott. More recently, the National Trust of Scotland have begun archaeological excavations on the battlefield site.

Glen Shiel, Lochaber
Image provided by VisitScotland/Paul Tomkins

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