Castlehill Inverness: From Neolithic Roots to Modern Residential Life
Located in the east of Inverness, Castlehill (known in Gaelic as Caisteal Still) is a residential area that now forms part of the broader Cradlehall and Westhill community. While it shares a name with the hill in the city centre where Inverness Castle stands, this distinct area possesses its own unique historical identity and archaeological significance.
Key Facts
- Ancient Origins: Archaeological evidence dates human occupation back to the Neolithic period (roughly 4th millennium BC).
- Clan Heritage: Historically associated with the Cuthbert family, who reportedly received the lands from King Kenneth I in the 950s.
- Architectural Landmark: Home to Castlehill House, a Grade B listed building dating to the late 18th or early 19th century.
- Modern Economy: The area is now primarily residential and adjacent to the Cradlehall Business Park.
Ancient and Medieval History
The history of Castlehill extends far beyond the written record. Archaeological investigations have uncovered prehistoric occupation remains, including pits, ceramic materials, and evidence of burning that date back to the Neolithic period (the New Stone Age, approximately the 4th millennium BC).
During the early and medieval eras, the lands of Castlehill, including Muckovy and Drakies, were held by the Cuthbert family, a local clan in Inverness-shire. Local tradition suggests that these lands were granted to the family by King Kenneth I during the 950s.
Architectural Heritage and Modern Development
One of the area's most notable structures is Castlehill House. This post-medieval residence is a Grade B listed building, with its primary older section likely constructed in the late 18th or early 19th century. While its specific connection to the Cuthbert family remains undocumented, it stands as a significant piece of the local architectural landscape.
![Castlehill House is situated adjacent to Culloden Road at Castlehill, Inverness. [2]](/images/44/e7/44e79cda95415181932cb7ceacb8820af39276c7d333968b97aa0083e7acdc58.jpg)
Today, Castlehill has evolved into a primarily residential district characterized by modern housing developments. The community is supported by the nearby Cradlehall Business Park, which hosts a variety of local enterprises.
Castlehill Care Home and Morar Highland
A prominent facility within the area is the Castlehill Care Home. Registered in December 2019, the home is operated by Simply Inverness Ltd, a subsidiary of Simply UK. Between 2024 and 2025, the provider utilized the trading name Morar Highland, and by late 2025, the facility was publicly referred to by this name.
In the summer of 2025, the facility became the subject of a BBC investigation regarding care standards. This led the Care Inspectorate—the regulatory body for care services in Scotland—to issue a public statement citing "serious and significant concerns" and serving an Improvement Notice. In response, the provider implemented management changes, increased clinical oversight, staffing reforms, and a refurbishment programme throughout late 2025 and early 2026.
According to Companies House records, the operating company reverted its legal name from Morar Highland Ltd back to Simply Inverness Ltd in January 2026.
Area Summary
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | East Inverness (Cradlehall/Westhill community) |
| Earliest Evidence | Neolithic period (4th millennium BC) |
| Historical Clan | Cuthbert family |
| Key Landmark | Castlehill House (Grade B listed) |
| Current Use | Residential and Commercial (Cradlehall Business Park) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Castlehill the same as the site of Inverness Castle?
No. Castlehill is a residential area in the east of Inverness and should not be confused with the hill in the city centre that serves as the site of Inverness Castle.
Who were the original landowners of Castlehill?
The area is historically associated with the Cuthbert family, who tradition states were granted the lands by King Kenneth I in the 950s.
What is the significance of Castlehill House?
Castlehill House is a Grade B listed post-medieval building, with its oldest parts likely dating to the late 18th or early 19th century.
What happened with the Morar Highland care home?
Following a BBC investigation and a Care Inspectorate Improvement Notice in 2025 regarding care standards, the provider implemented management and staffing reforms. The operating company later reverted its name to Simply Inverness Ltd in January 2026.