Skelbo Castle facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Skelbo Castle |
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| Near Dornoch, Highland, Scotland | |
Skelbo Castle ruins
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 Skelbo Castle
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| Coordinates | 57°55′47″N 4°02′28″W / 57.929828°N 4.041144°W |
Skelbo Castle is an old castle ruin from the 1300s. It is located near a town called Dornoch in Sutherland, Scotland. The castle was once a strong tower, known as a keep. The best part of the castle that is still standing is its northern wall. This important ruin is protected by law as a scheduled monument, which means it is a historically important site.
The Story of Skelbo Castle
Early Owners
In 1211, a man named Hugh de Moravia gave Skelbo to Gilbert de Moravia. Gilbert was a Bishop of Caithness, which is a high religious leader. Later, in 1235, Gilbert de Moravia gave the castle to his brother, Richard de Moravia.
A Royal Capture
In 1308, a very famous Scottish king, Robert the Bruce, captured a castle at this spot. At that time, the castle belonged to the Clan Sutherland, a powerful family in Scotland.
Changes Over Time
In 1494, there was a disagreement about who owned the castle. Marjory Mowat, whose husband John of Kinnaird had died, was arguing with Thomas of Kinnaird. A court had to get involved to help decide the owner. They asked a lawyer to talk to people who knew about the castle's ownership papers.
Later, in 1529, William Sutherland of Duffus bought Skelbo Castle. A new house was built next to the old castle in the 1500s. However, by the 1900s, the entire site was no longer used as a home. Today, it stands as a fascinating ruin.
