Ardtornish Castle facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Ardtornish Castle |
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| Morvern, Scotland | |
Ardtornish Ruins with Sound of Mull in background
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Ruins at Ardtonish Castle
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| Site information | |
| Condition | Ruined |
| Site history | |
| Built | 14th Century |
| Built by | Clan Donald |
| In use | until 17th Century |
Ardtornish Castle is an old castle ruin located in Morvern, on the west coast of Scotland. It sits on a piece of land that sticks out into the Sound of Mull. This spot is about 1 mile (1.6 km) south-east of the village of Lochaline. Today, Ardtornish Castle is a protected historical site.
Contents
A Home for Clan Donald
Ardtornish Castle was a very important place for the powerful Clan Donald. This clan had many leaders, known as the Lords of the Isles. The castle was one of their main homes from the early 1300s to the late 1400s.
Early Days and Strategic Location
Even before the 1300s, a strong fort stood here. A leader named Somerled had a fortress on this spot in the mid-1100s. The castle's location was perfect. It controlled important sea routes, making it a key place for travel and trade by boat.
Lords of the Isles and Important Events
Many important events happened at Ardtornish Castle.
- John of Islay: In the 1380s, John of Islay, Lord of the Isles, who was the 6th chief of Clan Donald, passed away at Ardtornish. His funeral procession then sailed from the castle through the Sound of Mull to the island of Iona.
- Donald of Islay: John's son, Donald of Islay, Lord of the Isles, also used Ardtornish Castle. He signed important documents here. It's also said that his large fleet of ships, called galleys, sailed from Ardtornish. These ships carried his warriors to fight in the Battle of Harlaw in 1411. This battle was fought because Donald wanted to claim the Earldom of Ross.
- Treaty of Ardtornish: Later, in 1461, another John of Islay (John's great-grandson) met with representatives from King Edward IV of England at the castle. They signed a famous agreement called the Treaty of Ardtornish-Westminster. In this treaty, John and his allies agreed to support the King of England. In return, they hoped to divide the kingdom of Scotland among themselves.
The Castle's Decline
The Treaty of Ardtornish was a big secret. When the Scottish government found out about it in 1474, it caused a lot of trouble. As a result, John of Islay lost his title as Earl of Ross.
Later, in 1493, John lost his title as Lord of the Isles completely. After this, Ardtornish Castle became property of the Scottish Crown. Eventually, the land was given to the chief of Clan MacLean, who lived at Duart Castle.
Ardtornish Castle was likely left empty and fell into ruin around the end of the 1600s. By this time, the powerful Campbell Earls of Argyll had taken over Ardtornish and other lands in Morvern from the MacLeans.
