Innis Chonnel Castle

Innis Chonnel is an island in Lochawe, the heartland of the Campbell family in medieval times. Upon the island is a ruined stone castle dating back to the 13th century in part. The island is only accessible by boat – which can be hired on the loch. It remains the property of the Duke of Argyll.

The old part of the castle is a quadrangular courtyard with solid corner turrets and a simple arched gate, lined with buildings of a later date. This is placed on the highest part of the island, and below it is a levelled area with thinner walls to each side serving as an outer courtyard. at the eastern end of this courtyard the island narrows, and the walls close to form a gatehouse of uncertain plan; a steep slope  leads down to the landing point. Further to the east is a roughly oval area, also walled, which is categorised as an outer bailey.

Although Campbell tradition asserts that Lochawe was their property from the 11th century, records show the MacDougalls holding it in the mid 13th century, and it is likely they built the early castle. After their fall at the hands of Robert Bruce, we can be sure that the Campbells were granted Lochawe. The castle was remodelled in the 15th century, but was relegated in importance after the building of Kilchurn at the northern end of the loch. It remained occupied by officers of the Campbells, later earls of Argyll, into the 18th century before being abandoned.

HES Canmore database entry