Castle Stalker facts for kids
Castle Stalker (Scottish Gaelic: Caisteal an Stalcaire) is a cool four-story castle. It's also known as a 'tower house' or 'keep'. This amazing castle sits on a small island in Loch Laich, which is a bay off Loch Linnhe. You can find it about 2.4 kilometers (1.5 miles) northeast of Port Appin in Argyll, Scotland.
You can easily spot Castle Stalker from the A828 road between Oban and Glen Coe. When the tide is low, you can sometimes walk to the island from the shore, but it can be tricky! The name "Stalker" comes from a Scottish word, Stalcaire, which means "hunter" or "falconer." This island castle is one of the best-kept medieval tower houses in western Scotland. It's so special that it's a 'Category A listed building,' meaning it's very important to protect. The castle is also part of the beautiful Lynn of Lorn National Scenic Area.
In more recent times, the castle became super famous. This happened thanks to the comedy group Monty Python. It was even featured in their movie Monty Python and the Holy Grail!
Contents
Exploring Castle Stalker's Past
Who Built This Amazing Castle?
The very first castle on this spot was a small fort. It was built around 1320 by the Clan MacDougall. At that time, they were the powerful leaders of an area called Lorn.
Around 1388, another strong family, the Clan Stewart of Appin, took control of Lorn. Many people believe that the Stewarts built the castle we see today. They likely finished it around the 1440s.
Royal Visits and New Owners
A relative of the Stewarts, King James IV of Scotland, even visited the castle! Later, around 1620, the castle changed hands. After a friendly challenge, the castle passed to the Clan Campbell.
The castle was owned by these different clans a few times. But around 1840, the Campbells left it, and its roof was lost.
Bringing the Castle Back to Life
In 1908, Charles Stewart of Achara bought the castle. He started some important work to save it. Then, in 1965, a man named Lt. Col. D. R. Stewart Allward bought Castle Stalker. Over about ten years, he worked hard to fully restore it.
Today, Castle Stalker is still privately owned. You can even visit it during certain times in the summer!
Images for kids
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View of Loch Laich and Castle Stalker with Ardnamurchan mountains in background
