Argyll & Bute: A Land of Castles

Argyll & Bute is renowned for its rich history, and a significant part of that heritage is embodied in its impressive collection of castles.

From imposing fortresses to romantic ruins, these structures offer a fascinating glimpse into the region's past, the people, the politics, and our enduring built heritage

To help you explore the captivating history of Argyll and the Isles, we've created a digital map. Simply visit the Map Page and deselect the layers for Canmore, Archives, and other sites. This will display the locations of the castles on the ancient map layer, this does not include all the castles on this page. It will be updated in the future.

This page will grow to provide a brief overview of over 70 of our Argyll and Isles castles, with links inviting you to delve deeper into their intriguing histories. We would love your help to add details of each castle. Have we missed any ?

Explore The CASTLES of Argyll and the Isles

Achallader Castle, Glenorchy, Lorn

Standing in the shadow of Beinn Achaladair, Achallader Castle is a ruined 16th-century tower house roughly 3.5 miles north of Bridge of Orchy. Its Gaelic name translates to "field of hard water". Built by Angus Macinleister, the castle saw additions by Sir Duncan Campbell of Glen Orchy around 1600. The tower formerly rose to three storeys with a garret, but today only two walls remain. Despite its diminished state, Achallader Castle holds a place in history, having been a meeting point for Highland chiefs in 1691
Trove : Wikipedia : Castlefinders : SCA : Railscot :

Achadun Castle,
Lismore, Lorn

Achaduin is believed to date from the 13th century and enjoys a commanding position guarding the entrances to Loch Linnhe and the Sound of Mull. Originally a MacDougall fortified manor, it was later granted to the Bishops of Argyll. While the bishops later relocated to Saddell Castle, Achadun remained an important property, with the Macdonalds and Campbells serving as custodians. Today, only ruins of this once significant courtyard castle remain.
Trove: Wikipedia : Castle Guides

ABMHF Airds Castle Campbeltown Argyll Wikipedia

Airds Castle, Carradale, Campbeltown, Kintyre

Perched on a rocky outcrop near Carradale, Airds Castle offers stunning views across the Kintyre Peninsula towards the Isle of Arran. This ruined 15th-century castle, likely the "Ardcadane" mentioned in a 1498 charter, was once held by the Macdonalds and later by the Crown. Now only scattered remains are left.
Trove: Wikipedia : Castle Guides :

Ardencaple Castle, Helensburgh

Ardencaple Castle boasts a rich history dating back to 1296 when King Edward I accepted the fealty of Maurice/Murdoch of Ardencaple. A significant tower house stood here in the late 16th century, as depicted by Timothy Pont. While the estate underwent various ownership changes and renovations over the centuries, including periods under the ownership of the Duke of Argyll and the Navy, much of the castle was unfortunately demolished in the 1950s to make way for naval housing for nearby Faslane. Today, only a tall square tower remains, serving as a navigational aid for ships on the Firth of Clyde.

Ardlamont Castle. Cowal

Ardlamont Castle, located in Argyll, holds a significant place in the history of the Clan Lamont. Following the destruction of their other castles, the Lamonts of Inveryne made Ardlamont their main seat around the 17th century. While the current house dates from the 19th century, it stands on the site of the original castle. Ardlamont is sadly infamous for the "Ardlamont Murder" of 1893, a tragic event that took place while the estate was rented out.

Ardmaddy castle Clachan seil by Oban Argyll

Ardmaddy Castle, Clachan Seil, Lorn

Ardmaddy Castle stands as a testament to centuries of history. Originally constructed by the MacDougall's of Raera in the 15th century, the castle later became part of the vast Campbell estates. This period saw the castle play a significant role in the Jacobite Rising of 1745, with one of its rooms serving as a temporary prison for captured rebels. The castle and its associated outbuildings occupy a prominent position on a mound overlooking the sea, providing commanding views of the surrounding coastline. The Earls of Breadalbane held ownership of the estate until the early 20th century, after which it was sold off.

Ardtornish Castle, Morvern, Lorn

Ardpatrick Castle South Knapdale

Aros Castle, Mull, Lorn

Ascog Castle, Bute

Auchenbreck Castle

Barcaldine Castle, Benderloch, Lorn

Breachacha Castle, Coll, Lorn

Calgary Castle, Mull, Lorn

Carnassarie Castle, Kilmartin, Knapdale

Carrick Castle, Lochgoilhead, Cowal

Claig Castle, Jura

Craignish Castle,
Ardfern, Lorn

Coeffin Castle,
Lismore, Lorn

Caisteal nan Con, Morvern, Lorn

Castle Dounie,
Crinan, Knapdale

Duart Castle,
Mull, Lorn

Dunderave Castle,

Dunollie Castle,
Oban, Lorn

Dunoon Castle,
Dunoon, Cowal

Dunstaffnage Castle
Oban, Lorn

Duntrune Castle,
Crinan, Knapdale

Dunyvaig Castle,
Islay

Fincharn Castle
Lochawe, Lorn

Finlaggan Castle,
Islay

Fraoch Eilean,
Lochawe, Lorn

Glengorm Castle
Mull, Lorn

Gorm Castle,
Islay

Gylen Castle,
Kerrera, Lorn

Heylipol Castel
Tiree, Lorn

Innes Chonnel Castle,
Lochawe, Lorn

Inverary Castle,
Mid Argyll

Kames Castle
Port Bannatyne, Bute

Wester Kames Castle,
Port Bannatyne, Bute

Kilberry Castle,
Knapdale

Kilchrist Castle
Campbeltown, Kintyre

Kilchurn Castle,
Glenorchy, Lorn

Kilkerran Castle,

Kilmahew Castle
Cardross

Kilmartin Castle,
Knapdale

Kilmory Castle,
Bute

Kilmory Castle
Lochgilhead, Mid Argyll

Kinlochaline Castle,
Morvern, Lorn

Knockamillie Castle,
Innellan

Castle Lachlan
Mid Argyll

Old Castle Lachlan,
Mid Argyll

Minard Castle,
Mid Argyll

Muckairn Castle
Taynuilt, Lorn

Moy Castle,
Mull, Lorn

Rothesay Castle,
Bute

Saddell Castle
Carradale, Kintyre

Shuna Castle,
Appin, Lorn

Skipness Castle,
Kintyre

Castle Stalker
Appin, Lorn

Stonefield Castle,
Tarbert, Kintyre

Torosay Castle,
Mull, Lorn

Torrisdale Castle
Campbeltown, Kintyre

Castle Toward,
Cowal

Toward Castle,
Dunoon, Cowal

Explore The CASTLES of Argyll and the Isles

Contact

Quick Links