Kilchurn Castle

Kilchurn Castle Details

Kilchurn Castle, a ruined C15 tower and courtyard altered C17 on Lochawe built by the Campbells and abandoned C18.

  • Closest To: Oban, Inveraray
  • Access: Free Public Access
  • Grid Reference: NN133276

Kilchurn Castle is one of the most photographed – and picturesque – castles in Scotland, sat on the edge of a loch surrounded by mountains. It is a ruined great tower and courtyard dating to the 15th century, and may have replaced Innis Chonnel as the principal castle of the Campbell family when it was built. There is a car park a short distance away, and although it is maintained by Historic Environment Scotland, it is free to enter, although I understand that the courtyard door is not open all hours.

The lands at this end of Lochawe were traditionally held by the MacGregor clan when Robert Bruce granted them to Colin Campbell in 1316, but it is unclear whether they were dispossessed supporters of the MacDougalls or tenants who gained new lords. The square tower-keep and courtyard were erected first, and then extended by the addition of the halls, round towers, and domestic buildings within the courtyard through the 16th and 17th centuries. Towards the end of the 17th century it was converted to a barracks, by which time the Campbells of Glenorchy, who occupied the castle, had moved their chief seat to Balloch on Loch Tay. Kilchurn Castle was struck by lightning in 1760 and abandoned.

Official Historic Scotland page

HES Canmore database entry

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