Meggernie Castle facts for kids
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Meggernie Castle is an old castle found in the middle of Perth and Kinross, a region in central Scotland. It sits about halfway up a beautiful valley called Glenlyon. Here, the River Lyon flows along before joining the River Tay, not far from Loch Tay.
For many years, from 1920 until 1958, the castle belonged to a man named Sir Ernest Wills. After he passed away, his son, Sir Edward de Winton-Wills, owned the castle. He kept it until it was sold in 1979.
What Does Meggernie Mean?
The name Meggernie might come from an ancient language called Pictish. It could mean "boggy meadow." Imagine a field that's a bit wet and squishy!
The Story of Meggernie Castle
Before the castle we see today was built, there might have been a simpler, thatched building on the same spot. We don't know the exact date the oldest part of Meggernie Castle was built. Some people think John Campbell of Glenlyon built it around 1585.
However, there's an old document from King James VI dated March 4, 1603. This document gave the Campbell family ownership of land in the area. It also mentions that the head of this family lived in "the Tower named Meggernie." This suggests the castle was already there by 1603, fitting with the idea it was built around 1585.
Later, Robert Campbell of Glenlyon added a slated roof to the original thatched building. More parts were added to the castle over many years, making it bigger and stronger.
Looking at Meggernie Castle's Design
The castle walls are super thick, about five feet wide! This was important because castles were built to protect people. Meggernie Castle stands five stories tall.
Each corner of the main castle building has a square tower. These towers stick out a bit from the main walls. The original castle didn't have many windows. The ones it did have were narrow slits in the wall. This design was very common for castles built a long time ago. It helped keep people safe inside.
Over time, a more modern house was added to the original castle. But don't worry, it was built to match the old style! If you look at pictures of Meggernie, you can clearly see the four small square towers. You can also see the long, lower house that connects to one side of the old castle.
