Castle Leod has survived the complexities of Highland politics for over 500 years.

Following settlements and structures created by Vikings, Picts and Norse Earls, by the 15th century the Castle was almost complete, with its tall tower, ornate corbeling, gun loops and circular turrets. Back then it was home to the the defacto chief (Caberfeidh) of Clan Mackenzie, Rory Mackenzie, who was one of the most fearsome men in Scotland. Known as ‘The Tutor of Kintail’, he was of great service to King James VI, subduing dissenting voices and putting the fear of God into anyone that stepped in his path.

His son, George Mackenzie, became the 1st Earl of Cromartie. A progressive man for his time, he was instrumental in the formation of the Royal Society along with his good friend, Sir Isaac Newton. This esteemed scientific institution is still in existence today. He was a prominent politician who played a key part in the Act of Union of 1707; a treaty that would marry Scottish and English trade, commerce, skills and expertise to forge a new United Kingdom. 

The 2nd Earl, John Mackenzie, revolted against the Act of Union and was involved in a plot to overthrow the Hanoverian government that reneged on its promise of equal status between the countries. He narrowly escaped death after his father stepped in. Having sympathy with the previous Earl's political convictions, the 3rd Earl,  George Mackenzie, would be instrumental in the failed Jacobite uprising. He was convicted of high treason for which the punishment was death. When his wily and heroic wife, Isabella Gordon, appealed for leniency, his death sentence was commuted to exile in Devonshire after a three-year sentence in the Tower of London. He was stripped of his title and assets and died in poverty. 

His son, John, was also imprisoned at the tower for a year and upon release, fled the country for Sweden where his fortune changed. Showing himself to be an excellent soldier, he was called ‘Count Cromartie of Sweden’. He established the infamous Highland Light Infantry whose action in India afforded him the right to buy back the Castle and its estate. 

In 1861, family fortunes were restored when Queen Victoria entitled Anne Hay-Mackenzie the Countess of Cromartie for services to the queen, thereby re-establishing the status of her family. Her son, Francis, became the 2nd Earl of Cromartie. His daughters were both women of the Arts. Sibell was widely travelled and a writer of romantic novels. Constance became an author and dancer. Another in a series of brave women in the family, she politicised her role as Salome and asked for the head of the king’s finance minister. She was subsequently banished from King George VII’s court.

Today, Castle Leod is home to the 5th Earl of Cromartie and chief of the Clan, John Mackenzie. So far, his family's residence has been a peaceful one!