An Edwardian Barracks Ruins

The Ruthven Barracks, a preserved relic from the 18th century, sit near Ruthven in Badenoch, Scotland. Built in 1719, these barracks were constructed after the 1715 Jacobite rising, serving as a base for government troops to quell potential uprisings. Interestingly, they were built on the ruins of an older castle, which was demolished in 1451, replaced by another castle in 1459.

From 1459, the castle was held by the Earls of Huntly, chiefs of Clan Gordon, who were then the feudal superiors and lords of Badenoch. Mary, Queen of Scots visited in August 1564, and the castle was contested during the Wars of the Three Kingdoms.

The new barracks at Ruthven were completed in 1721, accommodating 120 troops and 28 horses for dragoons. The barracks were once destroyed by Jacobites following their retreat after the Battle of Culloden in 1746, and the ruins now remain, maintained as a scheduled monument by Historic Environment Scotland. They are accessible at all times without entrance charge.

Interestingly, the first castle was built on the hilltop site in 1229, possibly by the Comyns. It was used as a base by Alexander Stewart, Earl of Buchan who was known as the 'Wolf of Badenoch', the younger son of King Robert II of Scotland.

Sources: Wikipedia, OpenStreetMap, Wikidata, Wikimedia Commons