Why an island with a medieval castle can be purchased for the price of a garage: Secrets of Thioram Fortress

2024 Author: Richard Flannagan | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-15 23:55

This ancient castle on a desert island in Scotland has survived many fierce battles. The final battle of this mesmerizing fortress is still ahead. Even without the clash of swords and bloodshed, but still … Now Thioram is slowly turning into ruins due to the shameful litigation. Who and why is hindering the restoration, preferring to sell the ancient historical monument for a pittance?

Those looking for total solitude and luxurious privacy after a hellish year may want to visit this uninhabited Scottish island. Among other things, you can also buy it! The price for this stunning historical monument is incredibly low - only $ 112,000!

History of Thioram Castle

Thioram Castle was built at the beginning of the 13th century as a fortress. It is located on a key trade route from the Hebrides. It was the MacDonald family estate of Clanranald. They regularly renovated the fortification and rebuilt the castle. The tower was completed in the 14th century. It was taken away from its rightful owners when they supported the Jacobite uprising in 1715.

Thioram is located in an extremely picturesque place on the island of Deer, which is on Lake Loch Moydart. The island has an area of about five hectares. This secluded, unique estate is also known as Eilean an Fheidh. It is very close to Fort William and Ben Nevis. The view from the castle to the surroundings is absolutely breathtaking. The nature around is absolutely wild. There are many different animals in the forests, and dolphins often swim in the inflow.

Thioram Castle stands on a promontory that juts out into Loch Moydart. The island is connected to the mainland by an isthmus. At high tide, it completely disappears under the water. Despite the seeming remoteness and isolation of this place today, once everything was completely different. In the pre-industrial era, the lakes and rivers of Scotland were the main routes of travel over impassable terrain. Thioram is very well located in the sense that it was right on an important trade route. In addition, the shallow slope of the coastline made it an ideal anchorage for small boats. It is for this reason that the territory here was inhabited by people for centuries before the castle itself was built. There was a fairly large settlement here around the 7th century.

By the mid-12th century, most of the west coast, including the islands, was under Norse control under the rule of Somerled, Lord of Argyll. When he died in 1164, his lands were divided among his sons, and Thioram passed to Reginald. It was subsequently inherited by his son Donald, whose descendants eventually became the very MacDonalds of Clanranald. It is not known exactly who was the first to build Thioram Castle. Local tradition suggests that this was Amy Macruari, ex-wife of John, First Lord of the Isles (1336-1386). In fact, archaeological evidence suggests that it was built much earlier, around the beginning of the 13th century.

Throughout the 15th and 16th centuries, the lords of the islands were fully involved in the power struggle with the Scottish crown. The fact is that the monarchs who succeeded each other endlessly tried to break them at all costs. MacDonald of Clanranald has fought numerous campaigns against the clans loyal to the crown and against royalty itself. Tioram Castle until 1554 bypassed military operations. When the war touched him, the enemy forces did not succeed in breaking the defense of the fortress. Thioram remained in the hands of the MacDonald clan for a long time.

By the early 17th century, royalty was restricting the rights of such important and potentially hostile clans as the MacDonald of Clanranald. They put sticks in the wheels as best they could. The list of harassment included, for example, restrictions on the number of warships that could be owned. In addition, each clan chief had to indicate only one place as his home. Thioram Castle was named the family residence of the family, which led to the rebuilding of the fortress. There was a lack of living quarters.

The castle was confiscated at the end of the 17th century due to the support of the head of the clan for the Jacobite cause. During this time, Thioram fell into decay. It was almost completely destroyed in 1715, when the owner ordered it to be burned, foreseeing his defeat. Later, the castle was still involved in internecine wars. Then he changed owners endlessly, for the clanranalds were impoverished.

The ruined castle ended up in the hands of the Anta Estates. In 1997, they tried to rebuild Thioram and even got approval for the project from the Highland Council. However, this decision was vetoed by Historic Scotland. Today the castle remains a heap of abandoned, extremely picturesque ruins.

Attempts to change ownership

Eileen Sean's neighboring island belongs to Vanessa Branson, the sister of the current owner. A large area may well be a good refuge for all sorts of celebrities. Here are very deserted places. True, despite the price of the local land equal to the cost of a London garage, this is not a very good investment at the moment. It is sold on condition that the castle is kept intact. The government considers Thioram to be an important historical landmark. The restoration turned out to be a big question.

The castle is a coveted acquisition for many parties. Historical owners, the state, and many who liked their own bay claim it.

The MacDonald heir, who also claims this property, says that his ancestors, like many other clans, "supported feudal justice." The rebellious leaders at this very time "indulged in lawlessness, betrayal, tyranny, uprisings, barbarism, enmity, robbery, as well as sacrilege and murder." As a result, their clan was illegally deprived of their family estate.

There are so many stakeholders in the case that the decision will probably be difficult. Many people love the idea of owning their own island. Although there is no housing or even electricity, everything needs to be built from scratch, but the place is extremely attractive for many reasons.

Now that the world is becoming an increasingly crowded place, people with funds are increasingly trying to acquire something so exclusive. Even if there is no house on the island, it can be built. Deer Island is a blank canvas. In the current environment, demand for such offers is only growing.

Thioram attracts not only with its isolation. These ruins are part of the great history of Scotland. The castle has witnessed and participated in many historical events.

Story for sale

Potential islanders must make a decision immediately. The auction has started. It promises to be a real dramatic event. Owning your own island may seem like a matter for rich people only. Of course, maintaining and transforming a place like Deer will take a lot of investment, that's for sure. In addition, a lot of bureaucratic obstacles will have to be overcome. In the meantime, the castle is inexorably destroyed. Time works against history.

However, the prospect of owning an entire island beckons and tickles the imagination. Especially those who want to get out of the urban jungle into the cleanest fresh air imaginable …

If you are interested in the history of ancient Scotland, read our article on the ancestors of the people that inhabit it today: curious facts about the ancient Celts.