First traces of settlement of the place go back to the time before the visit of St. Columban in the 6th century. In Adomnán's Life of Columba, a forerunner of the fortress is mentioned as the residence of a Pictish nobleman. Although various artifacts have been found on the site during various excavations, a previously suspected Pictish Fort could not yet be detected. Around 1930, a Mr. Chewett acquired the ruins, today managed by Historic Scotland the plant. Urquhart Castle is a popular part of Scotland tours and the ruin is well attended. The complex includes a bus parking lot and a large visitor center, which has a small museum, a large souvenir outlet, an information cinema and a café. The facility is open all year round. The ruin is located directly on the A82 and is also served by regular buses.