Loch Gorm Castle facts for kids
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Loch Gorm Castle is an old, ruined castle. It sits on a small island called Eilean Mòr, which means "big island." This island is in Loch Gorm on Islay, a beautiful island in Scotland. Long ago, it was a strong home for the powerful Clan Macdonald.
The castle used to be square-shaped. It had a round tower, called a bastion, at each corner. Today, the ruins are very overgrown with plants. They are also quite low to the ground. Because of this, the island looks empty from the shore.
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History of Loch Gorm Castle
Loch Gorm Castle has an interesting past. It was involved in many conflicts and changes of power.
Early Conflicts and Control
In 1578, a leader named Sir Lachlan Mor Maclean took over the castle. He was from Duart. He wanted to control the Rinns of Islay area. But the Clan MacDonald of Dunnyveg quickly fought back. They got help from Colin Campbell, 6th Earl of Argyll. He was Lachlan's cousin. Together, they forced Lachlan out of the castle.
Demolition and Rebuilding
By 1586, the castle was already falling apart. In 1608, royal forces attacked it. These forces were led by Andrew Stuart, 3rd Lord Ochiltree. They completely destroyed the castle.
However, the castle was repaired after this attack. In 1615, Ranald MacDonald of Smerby was in charge of the soldiers there. He gave up the castle to Sir John Campbell of Cawdor on January 28, 1615.
Later Occupations
Just a few months later, in April 1615, Sir James MacDonald, 9th of Dunnyveg took the island back. He left his own group of soldiers on Eilean Mòr. A private group of soldiers stayed on the island between 1639 and 1640.
Images for kids
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Loch Gorm Castle, on the very small island in the distance
