Lochranza Castle facts for kids
Lochranza Castle is a cool old castle found on the northern part of the Isle of Arran in Scotland. It's built on a piece of land that sticks out into the sea at Lochranza. Most of this strong, L-shaped castle was built in the 1500s. It's a type of building called a tower house, which was a common strong home back then.
Castle History
The story of Lochranza Castle goes all the way back to the 1200s! Back then, a group called the MacSweens owned it.
In 1262, King Alexander III gave the castle and its land to Walter Stewart, the Earl of Menteith.
Famous Visitors
A very important person in Scottish history, Robert the Bruce, is thought to have landed at Lochranza in 1306. He was returning from Ireland to try and become the King of Scotland.
By 1371, the castle belonged to Robert II. People think that during his time, it was used as a special royal hunting lodge. Kings would stay there when they went hunting!
Later Owners and Changes
In the 1490s, another king, James IV, used the castle. He was campaigning against powerful groups like the Lord of the Isles and the Clan MacDonald.
Around 1600, a man named Robert Montgomerie helped get the castle back for the Marquess of Hamilton.
In 1614, the king's soldiers took over the castle. Later, in the 1650s, Cromwell's forces used it.
By 1705, Lochranza Castle became the property of the Hamilton family again. They bought it from the Duchess of Hamilton. The Hamiltons already owned other lands on the Isle of Arran.
Eventually, the Hamiltons sold the castle to the Blackwood-Davidson family. This family used it as their main home for a while.
The Castle Today
During the 1700s, the castle slowly fell into disuse and was left empty. Today, Lochranza Castle is looked after by Historic Scotland. They work to protect important historical sites like this one.
Images for kids
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Lochranza Castle (May 2011)
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Lochranza Castle (August 2011)
