Inveraray Castle

Inveraray Castle is an 18th century palace built for the then Duke of Argyll. It replaced earlier tower houses that were built nearby, but have been demolished and all traces removed. It remains the property of the Argylls, and is open to the public for a fee.

The Campbells held this land in the 13th century and feuded bitterly with the MacDougalls, who were married to the powerful Comyn family. As the Comyns opposed Robert Bruce, the Campbells supported him, and received great reward in return. It is likely that the earliest tower at Inveraray was built in the mid 15th century, when they were created earls of Argyll. The castle was their principal seat, and was not even attacked until the mid 17th century. This assault was by supporters of the King, and it may be that the castle was torched and badly damaged, leading to a new tower house being built nearby after the restoration of the Campbells in the late 17th century. 1701 saw the creation of the 1st Duke, and it was his son who commissioned the mansion we see today, in altered form. About a third of the building is open to the public.

Official Inveraray Castle website

HES Canmore database entry – old castle
HES Canmore database entry – new castle