Torosay Castle: Where Highland History Meets Dramatic Beauty

 

Introduction

Perched on the rugged coast of the Morvern peninsula, overlooking the Sound of Mull, Torosay Castle (formerly known as Dounarwyse Castle) stands as a silent sentinel—a testament to Scotland’s rich and tumultuous history. Its dramatic ruins evoke tales of clan rivalries, strategic power struggles, and the enduring spirit of those who once called it home. Let’s delve into the captivating history of Torosay Castle.

 

Origins and Architectural Splendor

Torosay Castle, situated 2 miles (2.5 kilometers) south of Craignure on the Isle of Mull, was designed by the renowned architect David Bryce in the Scottish Baronial style. Its construction was commissioned by John Campbell of Possil in the 1850s. Originally known as Duart House, the castle underwent a transformation on a grand scale, reflecting the aspirations of its owner.

 

The Lords of the Isles and Clan Guthrie

Torosay Castle has a rich lineage. It was once a stronghold of the powerful Clan Donald, specifically the Lords of the Isles. John of Islay, the sixth chief of Clan Donald, inherited the estate in the 1380s. His son, Donald of Islay, later sold the property to Arbuthnot Charles Guthrie in 1865. The Guthrie family owned Torosay Castle until 1911, when it was sold as a ruin to Sir Fitzroy Maclean, who undertook its restoration.

 

Gardens and Italian Statues

Torosay Castle is surrounded by 12 acres (5 hectares) of spectacular gardens. These include formal terraces laid out at the turn of the 20th century, attributed to the renowned architect Sir Robert Lorimer. The garden’s Statue Walk is particularly intriguing—it features 19 statues in the style of Italian sculptor Antonio Bonazza. These statues were acquired by Walter Murray Guthrie from a derelict garden near Milan and shipped to Scotland as ballast in a cargo ship.

 

Notable Residents and Literary Connections

Torosay Castle has hosted illustrious guests. The novelist Angela du Maurier, older sister of Dame Daphne du Maurier, spent time at Torosay with her close companion Olive Guthrie (great grandmother of the present owner). Angela dedicated her book Weep No More (1940) to “Olive Guthrie of Torosay.” Other visitors during the 1930s included Winston Churchill (Olive Guthrie was his aunt by marriage) and King George of Greece.

 

21st Century and Private Ownership

In 2012, Christopher Guthrie-James, the fifth laird of Torosay Castle, sold the property. The new owner, the McLean Fund, closed it for renovations. By December 2013, a private family once again occupied the castle. Guthrie-James expressed a sense of relief rather than regret upon selling the family home at Torosay, marking a new chapter in the castle’s storied existence.

Torosay Castle, with its windswept ruins and lush gardens, invites us to step back in time. As you stand amidst its weathered stones, imagine the lives of Highland chiefs, the echoes of ancient conversations, and the resilience of those who shaped its history. Torosay remains a beacon of Scotland’s enduring spirit.

If you ever wander the Isle of Mull, seek out Torosay Castle—a place where legends and reality intertwine.

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