Scottish Blog

Kilchurn Castle is a now ruined 14th century castle located on a small island on Loch Awe in Scotland.

The initial stages of Kilchurn Castle were constructed by Clan Campbell in 1450. Initially it consisted of a five storey watch tower and a surrounding wall, it was commissioned by Sir Colin Campbell, the first Lord of Glenorchy. The castle continued to be occupied by Clan Campbell until late into the 16th century. While under their care, Kilchurn Castle received a number of upgrades and expansions. Amongst these was a dinning hall, a number of living chambers along with a hall on the south side of the castle. Occupation of Kilchurn Castle then passed to Clan MacGregor.

Although Clan MacGregor was never the owner of the Kilchurn Castle they were appointed its keepers by Clan Campbell. This arrangement continued until a feud between the two families brought it to an end in the yearly years of the 17th century.

By then, Kilchurn Castle had been commissioned to become a barracks, with enough room to house 200 soldiers. This was made possible by the addition of an extra three storey section. Between 1715 and 1745 the government took advantage of this fact by as a military garrison.

In 1760 a violent storm hit Kilchurn Castle, the damage of which still has not been fixed. This led to the complete abandonment of Kilchurn Castle.

In the present day Kilchurn Castle is under the protection of Historic Scotland, with public access allowed in the summer.