Forres Castle was a fort and later a medieval castle situated near the town of Forres in Moray, Scotland (coordinates 57°36′30″ N, 3°37′06″ W). The original fortification was destroyed by Viking forces in 850 AD.
The site was later developed as a motte‑and‑bailey castle and subsequently strengthened during the 14th century. It functioned as a royal castle, receiving visits from several Scottish monarchs, including William I (the Lion), Alexander II, and David II (who stayed there in 1346). In 1390 the castle was burned by Alexander Stewart, Earl of Buchan.
Ownership passed to the Dunbar family of Westfield, who held the castle until the 17th century. The structure fell into ruin and was demolished in 1297 by supporters of William Wallace. No visible remains of the castle survive above ground today; the site is now an archaeological mound marked on modern maps.
References
- “Forres Castle,” Wikipedia, accessed 2026‑04‑19.
- CANMORE, Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Scotland.
- Chisholm, Hugh (ed.). Encyclopædia Britannica (11th ed., 1911).