Castle's of Argyll, Scotland (some)

[Redshank]

It is said that God created Eden, then re-named it Argyll, however it wasn't always as tranquil and idylic as it is today, Argyll has seen more than it's fair share of interclan feuding, as can be seen by the sheer number of castle's and fortified houses in the area, some are still inhabited today, some are in ruin a shadow of their former glory, some are just a pile of rocks.
But all where at one time or another under the stewardship of the Campbells.

Inveraray Castle
The 2nd Duke of Argyll decided that the old castle and town of Inveraray where to close together, added to that the old castle was in need of costly and regular repairs, so he decided to raise the town and old castle to the ground, he commissioned what was to be the 2nd planned Georgian town in Scotland, the first being Helensborough, and a brand spanking new castle, a short distance from the new town, construction of the new castle started in 1746, and was finally completed in 1789, during this period Scotland saw the Jacobite rising quashed at Culloden, and the highland clan system wiped out for all time, the need for a fortified castle was therefore not a necessity, couple that to the fact that the Campbell's where one of Scotland's most powerfull clans, the new castle was designed more along the lines of a French chateaux, incorporating Baroque, Palladian and gothic architecture.


Photography inside the castle is not permitted, however this highland rebel had one over the Campbell's


Duart Castle, Isle of Mull

Formerly and now once again Clan seat of the MacLean's, Duart castle dates back to the 1300's, situated on a craggy rock overlooking the sound of mull, loch linne and the forth of lorne the castle holds a strategic position, it was forfeited to the Campbell's in 1691 where it was used to garrison troops, it later fell into disrepair eventually being purchased and restored in 1910 by Fitzroy MacLean the 26th chief of the clan.



another view of Duart Castle



Duntrune Castle

The oldest inhabited castle in Scotland, and Clan seat to thr MacCullum / Malcolm clan, sited on a rocky promimtary on Loch Crinan.



Kilchurn Castle

Apparently the 2nd most photographed castle in Scotland, I have no idea who sit's there and counts the snappers, The castle sits at the head of Loch Awe, it is thought to have been the MacGregor's castle, they being the dominant clan in this part of Argyll untill being ousted by the Campbells, the castle has been looked after and maintained by Historic Scotland since 1951



and finally for now,

Castle Stalker

Once a Stewart stronghold, Castle stalker has a long history, even appearing in a Monty Python film "The Holy Grail" as Castle AAAgh.



These are only a small few of the castles in Argyll, but are probably the most well know and photogenic, if anyone has any requests, if not already in my photo collection I will venyure out and obtain a photographic documentary of the desired castle, just pm me with your request.

Thanks for looking

Chris

[McClef]

Really beautiful collection of castles there Redshank!

[macneighill]

WOW!!

Beautiful photos.

[Mipi]

Beautifull! Keep on posting...

[Jack Daw]

Very nice!

[Atlanta Kiltie]

Redshank, I am enjoying your posts very much. Thank you.

[McMurdo]

Chris your photo essays are just excellent, thanks so much for posting the Castles of Argyll. I look forward to your next thread.

[Highlander31]

Fantastic photos Chris. I am definitely enjoying your tour of Argyle. Looking forward to your next post.

[fudgeman]

Fantastic, as always. Thanks for sharing.

[Alan H]

Aside from Dunderave, and of course, Eilean Donan, I have to say that Duarte castle is one my favorite castles in Scotland. On the other hand, I can't stand Inverary castle, to me it looks like it was designed by a committee, which was mostly drunk at the time.

...though I'm sure the duke would not agree. LOL