Inverlochy Castle was built in 1863 by the first Lord Abinger, near the site of the original 13th century fortress.

Inverlochy's reputation for gracious hospitality goes back as far as Queen Victoria's visit in the Autumn of 1873. Accompanied by her trusted ghillie John Brown, Victoria found great solace in the castle and its breathtaking surroundings, where cares seemed to just melt away.

So enchanted was Victoria with Inverlochy, it has been said that this area may have become the Royal Family's favoured Highland retreat, had Balmoral not already come to her attention. She spent a week sketching and painting where she wrote in her diaries:

"The setting sun cast a glorious light on Ben Nevis and the surrounding hills which were quite pink and gave a perfectly crimson hue to the heather on the moor below.

The sky was pink and lilac and pale green and became richer and richer, while the hills in the other direction, over Fort William, were of a deep blue. I never saw a lovelier or more romantic spot."