ocated once upon a small island on the peaceful waters of Loch Awe, Kilchurn Castle is now accessible by a short stretch of land in the heart of Campbell country. In the fourteenth century, the lands of Glenorchy were transferred from the MacGregors of Glenstrae to the Campbells by way of marriage. By 1449, the castle had been built. Kilchurn was the primary home of the Campbells of Glenorchy for over 100 years.
The castle was expanded over several centuries. The main portion of the castle was built between 1440 and 1460. By end of the fifteenth century, a large dining hall was added to the courtyard. In the 1600's the Tower House and Laich Hall (dining hall) were joined by two cellars over which a chapel and an attic were constructed. Finally, the round towers on the north, south and west corners were added .
During the Jacobite Rising of 1745 the castle was taken for military housing, and shortly thereafter fell into disuse. In its declining years, Kilchurn Castle was damaged by lightening and weather, and given little attention until 1887, when rudimentary masonry 'repairs' destroyed many of the original interior features.
The Campbells of Glenorchy and Breadalbane became almost as powerful as the Argyll branch of the clan, but by the end of the 19th century lost most of their lands due to gambling and mis-management. After 500 years, the last of the lands of Gelnorchy, including Kilchurn Castle, were sold. Kilchurn is currently in the care of the Department of the Environment.
Photograph of Kilchurn Castle © 1991 LKPhoto
For more information see the Journal of the Clan Campbell Society , 1994, Vol. 21, No. 2.
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