Scottish Castles Association

Fairburn Tower, a roofless 16th century tower house, is situated at Muir of Ord in Ross and is a short drive away from Inverness.

The former stronghold of Clan Mackenzie, it consists of an oblong tower to which a four storey stair tower was added in the 17th century. The basement is vaulted and provided with gun loops. The entrance was originally at first floor level.

Fairburn is in a bad state of repair. The stair tower is in a perilous state being cracked from top to bottom and in immediate danger of collapse. The tower is on the Buildings at Risk and Historic Environment Scotland's Castle Registers .

In 2006 the intention to restore was posted but nothing was done and Fairburn continued to deteriorate. Unless something is done the crack will widen and the whole tower will crash down as did Benholm Tower under similar circumstances.

Restoration plans announced in 2018

Exciting plans to restore A-listed Fairburn Tower and convert it into holiday accommodation were announced by The Landmark Trust in May 2018. Historic Environment Scotland have agreed to support the £1.8 million project with a grant for £455,000. You can read more about the plans on The Landmark Trust's website by clicking here .

CLAN CONNECTION - Clan Mackenzie

Article by Scottish Castles Association member Brian McGarrigle