Breakaway Destination Guides (International)

The fabric of the Castle is in unusually good order and access is by a rough path. The scale of the construction is vast and extremely interesting. Historic Scotland have built access stairs and it is possible to climb to the highest towers from where the views are breathtaking.

Standing at the head of Loch Awe on what is today a low, rocky mound, but which, in medieval times, was an island, Kilchurn Castle was built, around 1440 by Margaret, wife of Sir Colin Campbell, first Laird of Glenurquhay. This original 5-storey keep, later extensively improved and extended, was to be well-tested in battle, enduring a siege by Royalists during the Civil War. Later, although by now already a partial ruin, it was used to garrison Hanoverian troops in the tumultuous days of the Jacobite Risings.

With the pacification of the Highland Clans and the dispersal of the McGregors the Castle outlived its usefulness. Lord Glenorchy became the Duke of Breadalbane as the Campbells power and wealth grew and the family moved to Taymouth Castle in Perthshire.

Kilchurn Castle comprises a series of buildings, the earliest being a five-storey tower-house. Much enlarged in the 1690s, it incorporates one of the first purpose-built barrack blocks in Scotland. It was manned by Government troops in the Jacobite rising of 1715 and 1745/6, then abandoned soon after. Today, the castle, in the care of Historic Scotland, stands as a picturesque ruin, which is accessible by steamer from Loch Awe pier.

Kilchurn Castle is different from other Scottish castles of the time. In the others the entrance to the castle was at the first floor level, but in Kilchurn, the main entrance was at the ground level. There was a Great Hall above the vaulted entrance and the storeys above provided the family?s living quarters.

The original plan of the castle was that of a rectangle, but only the southern corner now remains. The tower is located in the eastern corner of the courtyard. Teak stairs have been installed so that visitors have access to the upper areas of the tower. From here you get a commanding view of Glenstrae, Glenorchy and across the loch to Cruachan.

The Castle is open every day and until 9pm in the summer. It is also possible to visit the Castle in summer by boat from Loch Awe station. This costs about UK£5.00 and includes a trip round the loch and a number of Stone Age Crannogs which came to light when the Loch water level was lowered.

Help Me Get it Right

  About the Author