Kilchurn Castle (/kəlˈxuːrn/)[1] is a ruined structure on a rocky peninsula at the northeastern end of Loch Awe, in Argyll and Bute, Scotland. It was first constructed in the mid-15th century as the base of the Campbells of Glenorchy, who extended both the castle and their territory in the area over the next 150 years. Finishing the facade are squared plaits surmounted by three decorated pinnacles, with two pilasters on either side, topped by pinnacles of equal design. Following the failure of the rising he returned home to find pro-government members of his household had turned Kinchurn and Finlarig over to Alexander Campbell of Fonab, to whom Breadalbane was obliged to surrender in February 1716. During the second half of the century, another Sir Colin Campbell, the 6th Laird, continued to improve the castle's accommodation by adding some chambers to the north of the tower house, and remodelling the parapet. His main addition was the three-storey L-shaped block along the north side. This included the introduction of the circular corner turrets adorned by corbels, most of which have survived remarkably well. Situated on a small island in Loch Awe in Scotland, Kilchurn Castle consisted of structures built from the 15th century through to the 17th century. Kilchurn was one of numerous castles erected by the powerful Campbell clan, who exercised control of much of western Scotland in the late medieval period. [9], Kilchurn Castle, viewed from Loch Awe Hotel to the west, Engraving of Kilchurn Castle by William Miller, 1846, "Campbell, John, first earl of Breadalbane and Holland", "Kilchurn Castle and Loch Awe by JMW Turner", 16th century map of Loch Awe and Kilchurn Castle, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Kilchurn_Castle&oldid=961409184, Scheduled Ancient Monuments in Argyll and Bute, Historic Scotland properties in Argyll and Bute, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License, Renovated frequently, destroyed by lightning, This page was last edited on 8 June 2020, at 09:04. Sir Colin was granted Glen Orchy and other lands by his father in 1432, and afterwards established Kilchurn around 1450. It's absolutely free, easy, and doesn't even need registration! See the past brought to life by the imaginative year-round programme of events at our properties. Further buildings went up during the 16th and 17th centuries. Access, during summer only, is by either by boat from Lochawe pier, or on foot from Dalmally. Kilchurn was then used as a Government garrison during the 1715 and 1745 Jacobite risings. SC045925. A brief history of Kilchurn Castle is set out below, viz: Originally a Tower House dating from 1440 when associated with Sir Colin Campbell of Glenorchy aka ‘Black Knight of Rhodes’. However in 2007 access via the nearby viaduct was created, restoring landward access once more. In 1681, Sir John Campbell of Glenorchy was made 1st Earl of Breadalbane. Follow us to get best travel tips to interesting historic sites! In 1760, the castle was badly damaged by lightning and was completely abandoned; the remains of a turret of a tower, still resting upside-down in the centre of the courtyard, attest to the violence of the storm. Kilchurn Castle is a ruined structure on a rocky peninsula at the northeastern end of Loch Awe, in Argyll and Bute, Scotland. Network Rail, in accordance with their policy of blocking foot crossings on railway lines, closed the crossing to Kilchurn, effectively removing land access. Kilchurn Castle is a ruined 15th and 17th century structure on a rocky peninsula at the northeastern end of Loch Awe. In 1714, on the death of Queen Anne, Breadalbane held a conference of Jacobites at Kilchurn, and he subsequently joined the Earl of Mar's Jacobite rising of 1715. It was the ancestral home of the Campbells of Glen Orchy, who later became the Earls of Breadalbane also known as the Breadalbane family branch, of the Clan Campbell. The castle is closed but you can still visit the exterior of the site. He took advantage of the turbulence of the times, negotiating with Jacobite rebels at the same time as serving William III. Discover more on the go – the Historic Scotland app lets you find out about Scotland’s most iconic places wherever you are. Category: Castle, Landscape, Loch. [4][5], Sir Colin's son, Sir Duncan Campbell of Glenorchy, built the 'laich hall' - a single-storey dining hall built along the inside of the south curtain. It is now in the care of Historic Environment Scotland and is open to the public in summer. The building of several castles, of which Kilchurn was the first, was a key part of their territorial expansion during this period. The ceiling and interiors are treated exhaustively with painted plaster, designed to resemble sculpted wood surfaces and decorative elements. Sir Colin Campbell, 1st of Glenorchy (died 1475), was a younger son of Duncan Campbell, 1st Lord Campbell, ancestor of the Earls of Argyll.