Kilchurn Castle

 

Greetings, history enthusiasts! Let’s journey to the northeastern end of Loch Awe in Argyll and Bute, Scotland, where Kilchurn Castle stands as a magnificent testament to Scotland’s rich heritage. 🏰

 

A Glimpse into History:

 

Mid-15th Century: Kilchurn Castle was constructed around 1450 by Sir Colin Campbell, 1st of Glenorchy, a younger son of Duncan Campbell, 1st Lord Campbell1. The castle initially featured a five-storey tower house with a courtyard defended by an outer wall. At the time, Kilchurn was on a small island, accessible only by a causeway.

Late 15th Century: Sir Colin’s son, Sir Duncan Campbell of Glenorchy, added the ‘laich hall,’ a single-storey dining hall along the inside of the south curtain1. Sir Duncan was one of the many Scottish nobles killed at the Battle of Flodden in 1513.

16th Century: Another Sir Colin Campbell, the 6th Laird, further improved the castle by adding chambers to the north of the tower house and remodelling the parapet with circular corner turrets adorned by corbels1. He also constructed Balloch Castle (now Taymouth Castle) to consolidate the Campbells’ territorial gains in Perthshire.

17th Century: Sir Duncan Campbell, 1st Baronet, rebuilt and enlarged the south range of the castle in 1614, incorporating a chapel in the south-east part of the courtyard.

1689: Sir John Campbell of Glenorchy, 1st Earl of Breadalbane, converted Kilchurn into a garrison stronghold. The tower house was adapted for officers’ accommodation, and a barracks for 200 men was built on the north side of the courtyard2. This barracks block remains the oldest surviving barracks on the British mainland.

18th Century: The castle saw little use other than as an outpost for government soldiers during the Jacobite risings of 1715 and 1745. By 1770, Kilchurn Castle was abandoned and fell into ruin.

Architectural Marvel: Kilchurn Castle’s strategic location on a rocky peninsula provided a strong defensive position and stunning views of Loch Awe. The castle’s design, with its five-storey tower house, circular corner turrets, and extensive barracks, showcases the evolution of Scottish castle architecture over centuries.

 

Strategic Location: Situated at the northeastern end of Loch Awe, Kilchurn Castle’s location was crucial for controlling the surrounding lands and waterways. Its position made it a valuable stronghold in Scotland’s medieval power struggles.

Today, Kilchurn Castle stands as a scheduled monument, offering visitors a fascinating glimpse into Scotland’s medieval past. The ruins provide a unique insight into the lives of those who once occupied this stronghold and the historical events that unfolded within its walls.

 

Have you visited Kilchurn Castle? Share your photos and experiences in the comments below!

 

Feel free to add any personal touches or additional information to make this post your own!

For more of the Castles in Scotland series visit:

https://castlesinscotland.blogspot.com/

 

https://www.historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place/places/kilchurn-castle/

https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1NTTk4vGyDXVvUWaZkYuTE6X1IA9p8A8&usp=sharing

 

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