Castles

Castles play a major part in Scottish history and Scottish tourism. Examples of castles, forts and duns are scattered throughout the country, with a good varied collection of inhabited and ruined architecture from different time periods.

The west coast roads hold the key to accessing some castles that are inhabited such as Inveraray Castle, but also ruinous castles some with access internally and to stand at the very top such as Skipness Castle or Carnasserie Castle.

You will not be disappointed at the amount of castles, forts and duns that are in the area. Please find below some brief information and photos on some of the more popular examples in the West of Scotland.

Carnasserie Castle

Built between 1565 and 1572, the castle built by Bishop John Carswell has both a high tower and a low tower. The castle is about a kilometre from the gravel car park below and is open to the public to go inside and walk up to the top of the high tower, with good view available panoramically around the castle. There are a number of information boards around the castle and in the car park about the castle and the immediate area. The castle is only a very short distance from Dunadd.

Dunadd Fort

Dunadd, according to historic research, used to be the centre of a network of communication through Scotland and its islands, and further afield with it though to have been the location of international trade.

Dunadd used to be a Royal stronghold, and was the location of which the Kings of Scotland were first crowned. The fort is more interesting than it looks from a distance with an old well and some impressive views

The walk from the car park to the top of the fort is approximately 1km.

Inveraray Castle

Inveraray Castle, home to the current Duke & Duchess of Argyll is a stunning inhabitied castle within a reasonable distance from Glasgow, and i further short drive north will take you ro Loch Awe, and Kilchurn Castle

Inveraray Castle, has large grounds which has been the venue for the Connect Festival in 2007 and 2008, with the Spirit Of The West event held there in May 2009.

Part of the castle is open to the public inside and out throughout the spring, summer and autumn months, with other local attractions such as Inveraray Jail which offers more to do.

Saddell Castle

On the east side of Kintyre, beyond Carradale, and a few miles north of Campbeltown sits Saddell Castle. Built for the Bishop of Argyll in the early 16th Century. Saddell Castle is now owned by the National Trust and was restored before appearing in the Mull Of Kintyre music video. There is also the remains of an Iron Age fort nearby aswell as the popular Saddell Abbey.

Skipness Castle

Skipness Castle, at the north east most part of Kintyre just a few kilometres past the Kintyre to Arran ferry point is a thirteenth century castle, on land with superb views across to the Isle of Arran, the scope of view from the castle top is amazing with an almost 180 degree panoramic.