The Castles of Clan Macpherson

Let’s start with the castle that has perhaps the most well known connection to Clan Macpherson—Cluny Castle! You might say that Cluny was the historic seat of the Macpherson’s. Andrew Macpherson was the first Macpherson of Cluny and is responsible for the centuries-long connection to the castle. Members of Clan Macpherson had likely existed in the area surrounding Cluny since the 14th century, but it wasn’t until the 17th century that a Macpherson came to own the castle. Many castles during the 18th century faced destruction as the result of rebellions and war, and Cluny Castle was no different. After the Jacobite Uprising of 1745, the older version of the castle burned down, but Duncan Macpherson, having regained the land, built a new Cluny Castle on the grounds. It is the early 19th century mansion that stands today, however it’s not available to the public so don't be turning up at the door! The Macpherson’s held the castle until 1943 and it is currently privately owned.

Unlike Cluny, our next castle is still owned by the Macpherson family. It’s unclear when exactly this castle was built, but the earliest documentation we have about the castle’s history is from 1550. It was then that George Drummond purchased the lands of "Newton of Blair", as the surrounding land was called then–spoiler alert: that’s where the name comes from! Coincidentally, another George Drummond, who happened to be the six-times Lord Provost of Edinburgh, was actually born at Newton Castle in 1688. Following the Drummond’s, the castle came into the hands of the Graham’s of Balgowan, who held the castle until the 18th century when, you guessed it, the Macpherson’s finally took over. Colonel Alan Macpherson bought the estate in 1787. Most recently in 2021, Sir William Macpherson occupied of the castle and was later succeeded by his son, Jamie, as the 28th Hereditary Chief of Clan Macpherson and owner of Newton Castle.

We recently interviewed Jamie—check it out!

Up next we have the Clan Macpherson Cairn, which as you can see, isn’t a castle. So, what is a cairn? These monuments, which you’ll see quite a bit in Scotland, especially on top of a hill, are really just mounds of rough stones built as a memorial or landmark. This particular cairn was built of both local stone and stones contributed by members of Clan Macpherson from around the world. It overlooks Upper Strathspey toward Laggan and reads:

The plaque also features the Gaelic for the clan motto, “Touch Not a Cat, But a Glove.” Have you visited the cairn? Let us know!

We’ve got one last place to mention and while it’s also not a castle, it should definitely be on your Macpherson tour itinerary! The Clan Macpherson Museum, which first opened all the way back in 1952, houses historical objects and familial treasures that are important to the history of the clan and to the Scottish Highlands. Visitors can expect to learn about Highland clan society and the history of Clan Macpherson through an exciting story through objects and documents format, which we love! The museum is accredited with the Museum Galleries Scotland and the Arts Council England and has been awarded 4-Star Museum status with Visit Scotland. Trust us—you don’t want to miss all that the Clan Macpherson Museum has to offer!