The castle is thought to have been constructed around 1590 by the Clan MacLeod family who owned Assynt and the surrounding area from the 13th century onwards. Indeed Sutherland, the area in which Ardvreck is situated, has long been a stronghold of the Clan MacLeod. The most well known historical tale concerning the castle is that on 30 April 1650 James, Marquis of Montrose was captured by the Laird of Assynt and held at the castle before being transported to Edinburgh for trial and execution.[1] Montrose was a Royalist, fighting on the side of King Charles against the Covenanters. Montrose was executed on 21 May 1650, by hanging, drawing and quartering. Archibald, Marquis of Argyll, a covenanter and Montrose's rival, was himself executed in 1661 after the restoration of the monarchy.[1]