Formidable fortress on Loch Awe

Even as a ruin Kilchurn castle strikes an awe-inspiring pose overlooking the third largest freshwater in Scotland and the surrounding countryside of Argyll.

Situated at the head of Loch Awe this 600-year-old former Clan Cambell stronghold is one of the most photographed landmarks in Scotland.

Kilchurn Castle

Photo by Andrewmckie CC BY-SA 4.0

The foundations of the fortress were laid in the mid 1400s by Sir Colin Campbell, 1st Lord of Glenorchy, whose family went on to become the most powerful of the numerous branches of Clan Campbell.

Initially the five-storey tower house, with a grand hall, private chambers, cellar and dungeon prison, was built on the rocky island outcrop of ‘Elankylquhurne’ ,or island of Kilchurn, and acted as a power base as the clan extended its influence and territory.

Following Colin’s death his son, Sir Duncan Campbell, built up the castle and would probably have gone on to do more improvements had he not been killed at the Battle of Flodden in 1513.

Kilchurn Castle

Photo Tom Parnell from Scottish Borders, Scotland CC BY-SA 2.0

Over the next couple of hundred years the castle underwent a series of renovations, enlargements and changes of fortunes.

In the 1690s Sir John Campbell, the 5th Baronet, championed an attempt to pacify the Highlands and turned part of the castle into a military garrison for government troops with the addition of a barracks block big enough to hold 200 soldiers.

Much of the military quarters are still standing and it is regarded as the oldest surviving barracks of its kind on the British mainland.

Photo by Boaworm CC BY-SA 3.0

An inscription dedicated the Earl of Breadalbane and his wife, Countess Mary Campbell dated 1693 can still be seen over the front door to the castle.

However, in 1714 following the death of Queen Anne, Campbell switched allegiance to the Jacobite cause and joined the Earl of Mar's rising of 1715.

Unfortunately the rebellion failed and when Campbell retuned home he found Kinchurn had been handed over to a government supporting relative, Alexander Campbell of Fonab, who had fought against the Jacobites.

Following the Campbells' elevation to becoming the Earls of Breadalbane the family moved to Taymouth Castle in 1740 and Kilchurn’s importance diminished.

Photo Remi Mathis CC BY-SA 3.0

During the 1745 Jacobite rising the castle was again used as a military garrison by Hannovarien troops taking part in the ‘pacification’ of the Highlands.

The family tried unsuccessfully to sell the castle to the government and in 1760 it was badly damaged by a lightening strike and finally abandoned. By 1770 it was in ruins.

Today, the castle is managed by Historic Environment Scotland and is open to the public in summer. The castle can be reached by boat from Lochawe pier or on foot from the A85 near Dalmally.