Barcaldine Castle facts for kids
Barcaldine Castle, also known as the Black Castle, is an old castle from the 1600s. It's a type of castle called a "tower house" and is located in Barcaldine, Scotland. This historic building stands about 9 miles north of the town of Oban.
Contents
A Look Back in Time
Building the Black Castle
Sir Duncan Campbell of Glenorchy started building Barcaldine Castle between 1601 and 1609. It was built to be a strong and important home for his family.
Tough Times and Restoration
In 1692, the castle faced a difficult period during an event known as the massacre of Glencoe. This was a sad time for the area.
Later, in the late 1800s, the castle began to fall into disrepair. This happened because the family moved to a newer home nearby called Barcaldine House. But don't worry! Between 1897 and 1911, the castle was carefully fixed up and brought back to life.
Today, David Whitehead owns Barcaldine Castle. He bought it in November 2009.
What's Inside and Around the Castle?
Secret Spots and Views
Barcaldine Castle is full of interesting features! It has a special kind of small, dark room called a "bottle dungeon." It also has two hidden passageways that were once secret.
From the castle, you can enjoy amazing views. You can see Loch Creran, which is a beautiful lake, and the tall Glen Coe mountains.
The Castle's Ghost Story
Some people say that Barcaldine Castle is haunted! The ghost of Sir Duncan Campbell, who built the castle, is believed to roam its halls. The story says he is searching for the person who murdered him.