List of castles in Argyll and Bute facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts

Argyll and Bute is a beautiful area in Scotland, known for its stunning landscapes, islands, and rich history. It's also home to many amazing castles! These old buildings tell us stories about knights, kings, and battles from long ago. Let's explore some of the most famous castles in this region.

What is a Castle?

A castle is a strong, fortified building. People built them to protect important people and lands. Castles were often homes for nobles, like lords or kings. They also served as military bases. Many castles have thick walls, tall towers, and sometimes even moats.

Different Kinds of Castles

Castles come in many shapes and sizes. Here are some types you might find in Argyll and Bute:

Tower House: This is a tall, strong tower. It was built as a home and for defense. Many Scottish castles are tower houses.
Castellated House: This is usually a large country house. It was built to look like a castle, with battlements and towers. But it was more for comfort than for defense.
Baronial House: Similar to a castellated house, these are grand homes. They often have features like turrets and towers. They were built in a style popular in Scotland.
Shell Keep: This is an early type of castle. It has a stone wall built around the top of a mound. The mound is called a motte.
Motte: A motte is a large earth mound. A wooden or stone tower was built on top of it.
Castle of Enceinte: This type of castle has strong walls surrounding a central courtyard. It's designed for defense all around.
Z-plan Tower House: This is a specific type of tower house. It has towers or wings at opposite corners. This gives it a Z-shape when viewed from above.
L-plan Tower House: Another type of tower house. It has a main block and a wing at one corner. This makes an L-shape.

Exploring Castles in Argyll and Bute

Argyll and Bute has a rich history of castles. Some are still standing, while others are beautiful ruins.

Achallader Castle

Achallader Castle is a ruined tower house. It dates back to the 16th century. You can find its remains north of Bridge of Orchy. It's a great spot to imagine life long ago.

Achallader Castle ruins

Ardencaple Castle

Ardencaple Castle was built in the 12th century. Sadly, it has been demolished. It was once near Helensburgh. The Royal Navy now owns the land where it stood.

Ardencaple Castle around 1879

Aros Castle

Aros Castle is a ruined castle from the 13th century. It is located on the Isle of Mull. You can find it north of Salen. It offers amazing views of the surrounding area.

Aros Castle exterior

Asgog Castle

Asgog Castle is a ruined tower house. It has a square keep. This castle dates back to the 15th century. It stands near Asgog Loch on the Cowal peninsula. The Clan Lamont once owned it.

Asgog Castle ruins

Barcaldine Castle

Barcaldine Castle is a 17th-century tower house. It is special because it's still in use today. It operates as a hotel. You can find it near Oban, by Loch Creran.

Barcaldine Castle

Carnasserie Castle

Carnasserie Castle is a ruined 16th-century tower house. Historic Scotland now looks after it. This means it's a protected site. It's a great example of old Scottish architecture.

Carnasserie Castle

Carrick Castle

Carrick Castle is a 15th-century tower house. It is currently ruined but is being restored. This castle is privately owned. It stands proudly in Argyll.

Carrick Castle

Duart Castle

Duart Castle dates back to the 13th century. It has been beautifully restored. The Chief of Clan Maclean owns it. It is a famous landmark on the Isle of Mull.

Duart Castle

Dunans Castle

Dunans Castle is a Baronial house. It was built in 1860. Parts of it have been restored. It is privately owned and located in Glendaruel.

Dunans Castle

Dunollie Castle

Dunollie Castle is a 13th-century tower house. It is now a ruin. You can find it near Oban. It offers great views of the coast.

Dunollie Castle courtyard

Dunoon Castle

Dunoon Castle was a 13th-century motte castle. It is now a ruin. The castle stands in Dunoon, on the Cowal peninsula.

The castle hill in Dunoon

Dunstaffnage Castle

Dunstaffnage Castle is a castle of enceinte. It was built around 1220. It is now a ruin. Historic Scotland cares for this important site. The main part is from the 13th century.

Dunstaffnage Castle

Duntrune Castle

Duntrune Castle is a 13th-century tower house. It is still used as a home today. The Chief of Clan Malcolm owns it. A 17th-century addition was made to the tower house.

Duntrune Castle

Gylen Castle

Gylen Castle is a tower house built in 1582. It is now a ruin. You can find it on the island of Kerrera. It has a dramatic location overlooking the sea.

Gylen Castle on Kerrera

Inveraray Castle

Inveraray Castle is a grand castellated house. It was built in 1746. It is still used as a residence. The Duke of Argyll lives here. It is a very famous castle in Inveraray.

Inveraray Castle

Kilchurn Castle

Kilchurn Castle is a 15th-century tower house. It is now a ruin. Historic Scotland looks after it. It stands beautifully on the shores of Loch Awe.

Kilchurn Castle

Kilmartin Castle

Kilmartin Castle is a 16th-century Z-plan tower house. It has been restored. This unique design makes it stand out.

Kilmartin Castle

Old Castle Lachlan

Old Castle Lachlan is a 15th-century castle. It is now a ruin. It stands by Loch Fyne. It's a historic site with a lot of character.

Old Castle Lachlan

Rothesay Castle

Rothesay Castle is a 13th-century shell keep. It is now a ruin. Historic Scotland manages this site. It is located in Rothesay on the Isle of Bute.

Drawing of Rothesay Castle, 1830

Saddell Castle

Saddell Castle is a 16th-century tower house. It has been restored. The Landmark Trust now owns it. It stands on the shore of Kilbrannan Sound.

Saddell Castle

Skipness Castle

Skipness Castle is a 13th-century castle. It is now a ruin. Historic Scotland cares for this site. It is located in Skipness.

Skipness Castle

Castle Stalker

Castle Stalker is a 15th-century tower house. It has been restored. It is privately owned. This castle is famous for appearing in the movie "Monty Python and the Holy Grail." It stands on an island in Loch Laich.

Castle Stalker

Castle Sween

Castle Sween is a 12th-century castle. It is now a ruin. Historic Scotland looks after it. It stands on the eastern shore of Loch Sween. It is one of Scotland's oldest stone castles.

Castle Sween

Tarbert Castle

Tarbert Castle dates back to before the 13th century. It is now a ruin. It stands on the south shore of East Loch Tarbert.

Tarbert Castle

Torosay Castle

Torosay Castle is a Baronial house built in 1858. It is currently unoccupied. It is privately owned. You can find it on the Isle of Mull.

Torosay Castle

Toward Castle

Toward Castle is a c16th-century tower house. It had later additions. It is now a ruin. It stands in the grounds of Castle Toward on the Cowal peninsula.

Old Castle Toward

Castle Toward

Castle Toward is a Baronial house built in 1820. It is still used as a residence. It is privately owned. It is located in Toward, on the Cowal peninsula.