Achallader Castle facts for kids
Achallader Castle is a ruined old castle from the 1500s. It's located in Scotland, near a mountain called Beinn Achaladair. You can find it about 3.5 miles north of Bridge of Orchy in Argyll and Bute. The name "Achallader" comes from Gaelic. It means "field of hard water."
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History
Achallader Castle was built in the 1500s. It stands near the northern end of Loch Tulla. Over the years, different Scottish clans owned and changed the castle.
Early Owners and the Campbells
The Fletcher clan, also called Macinleister, were among the first owners. They were known for settling in the area. The MacGregors were also a powerful clan nearby in the 1400s.
In 1587, Sir Duncan Campbell took over the castle. He was known as "Black Duncan." There's a story about how he got the castle from the Fletchers.
The Story of Black Duncan
It's said that Black Duncan told an English servant to let his horse eat the Fletchers' corn. The Fletchers warned the servant in Gaelic, but he didn't understand. When the horse wasn't moved, the Fletchers shot the servant.
Black Duncan pretended to be worried that the Fletcher leader would be punished. He told the Fletcher chief to escape to France. Before leaving, the chief supposedly gave the castle to Black Duncan. This was meant to keep the castle safe until he returned. However, the Fletchers never got their property back.
Castle Attacks and Destruction
The MacGregors burned the castle in 1603. This caused a lot of damage.
Later, in 1683, a group of important people visited the castle. They were trying to settle things in the Highlands. Among them was McIain, a clan leader who later faced trouble.
In 1689, after a battle, McIain's clan returned. They pulled down more of the castle. It was never rebuilt after this.
A Meeting at the Ruins
In June 1691, an important meeting happened at the ruined castle. John, Earl of Breadalbane, met with Highland chiefs. He was sent by King William to make peace.
The Earl used a mix of warnings and promises to get most clans to agree to a treaty. However, the McIains did not join the agreement. The promised rewards for the clans never arrived.
Description
Achallader Castle used to be a tall building. It had three main floors and an attic space. It was well-protected with openings for shooting.
Today, only two of its walls are still standing. One wall still shows traces of its old stone supports. These remaining walls now shelter some farm buildings. Achallader Castle is a protected site, known as a scheduled monument.
