Castle Stuart facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Castle Stuart |
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| Petty, Inverness, Scotland | |
Castle Stuart in 2009
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 Castle Stuart
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| Coordinates | 57°31′41″N 4°06′22″W / 57.528°N 4.106°W |
| Type | Tower house |
| Site information | |
| Owner | Private |
| Condition | Restored |
| Site history | |
| Built | between 1619 and 1625 |
| Built by | James Stuart, 3rd Earl of Moray |
| In use | 17th century; 20th and 21st centuries |
Castle Stuart is a beautiful old building, a restored tower house (a strong, tall building used as a home and for defense). It sits right by the Moray Firth, which is a large bay in Scotland. You can find it about 6.5 miles (10.5 km) northeast of Inverness.
This castle was built a long time ago, between 1619 and 1625. After many years of being empty, it was fixed up and is now a fancy hotel.
History of Castle Stuart
The land where Castle Stuart stands was given to James Stewart, 1st Earl of Moray. He received it from his half-sister, Mary, Queen of Scots, when she came back to Scotland in 1561.
Sadly, both James Stewart and his son-in-law, James Stewart, 2nd Earl of Moray, were killed. Because of this, the castle was finally finished by James Stewart's grandson, James Stuart, 3rd Earl of Moray, in 1625.
At first, the castle was a busy and important place. But things changed when the House of Stuart (the royal family of Scotland and England) faced tough times. This happened during the English Civil War, a big conflict in England. When King Charles I was executed, the castle was left empty.
For about 300 years, Castle Stuart was just an old, empty ruin. But then, it was carefully restored and brought back to life. Today, it is used as a luxury hotel where people can stay and enjoy its history.
Golf Course
Next to Castle Stuart, there's a special kind of golf course called a "links" course. These courses are found by the sea and have natural, wavy land. The Castle Stuart golf course opened in 2009.
It was designed by two people from the United States: Mark Parsinen and Gil Hanse. The course quickly became famous. Golf magazine even voted it the "Best New Course" in 2009.
This golf course has hosted a big tournament called the Scottish Open several times. It was held there in 2011, 2012, 2013, and 2016.
