Castle History

The face and fortune of Teaninich Castle have changed many times since its original purchase in 1660, and in the tradition of fine Scottish country houses, Teaninich is rich in history. Neither is it without its own tale of romance.

The lovers were Captain Hugh Munro of Teaninich and Jane, daughter of Hector Munro of Novar. Twenty-year-old Hugh had succeeded his father James as the Munro of Teaninich in 1788. He distinguished himself while a captain in the 78th Regiment, now the Seaforth Highlanders, under the command of the Duke of York. While fighting in the Netherlands at the battle of Nimeguen, Captain Munro was hit by a musket shot while aiding a wounded soldier. The injury left him sightless; he was just twenty-four years of age.

The young captain and his fiancé never married. Upon his return home, Hugh learned that Jane’s father had withdrawn his consent to the marriage. So afraid was she of displeasing her father, Jane refused to agree to an elopement later arranged by Hugh’s younger brother Murdoch. She eventually married Ronald Crawford Ferguson of Raith, but never forgot her love for Hugh Munro. The story is told that when she found herself in poor health she expressed a wish to see Captain Munro once more. It was arranged that she attend service at the Alness Parrish, where it was Hugh’s custom to worship. As he was being led to the Teaninich Gallery, Jane collapsed and was carried from the church. She died not long after.

Although Captain Munro never married, it is said that he did father a daughter by a young girl from Ardross who had been employed at Teaninich. Eventually his daughter was brought home and raised as a lady. She later founded a school in Evanton, which was known as Miss Munro’s School.

The Blind Captain, as he became known, took an enthusiastic interest in the supervision of the building of the present Teaninich Castle, often pacing out the room sizes himself. The asymmetry of the rooms is proof of his “enthusiasm”.

He also founded a distillery on the estate in 1817, at a time when illegal whiskey gave the best return on the barley crops of Ross-shire. The Commissioners of Supply, fore-runners of the County Councils, tried to encourage landowners to establish legal distilleries. Producing “legal” whiskey, however, came with an excise tax, which rather discouraged honesty. When an 1823 Excise Act reduced the financial burden on legal distilleries, “an extraordinary change” was perceived at Teaninich Distillery; the output of whiskey increased thirty to forty fold by 1830!

Hugh Munro sold the estate to his younger brother John in 1831, and spent the remainder of his life in Coul Cottage, the dower house of Teaninich. He died in 1846.

Why not have your wedding at the castle? We can arrange everything on your behalf from catering through to the horse and carriage. Contact Jane Scott for more information.