Castles & Heritage in Argyll & the Isles

Argyll & the Isles is home to sixty castles, from fabulous forts to terrific tower houses. The landscapes of Argyll & the Isles is dotted with signs of the past, including chambered cairns and cup-and-ring marked rocks. Grab a map and take your own journey into the history of this fascinating part of Scotland.

The area is steeped in Highland heritage, you could call it 'Scotland's Heritage Coast'. Discover a rich and colourful Scottish history - from Dunadd Fort, the birthplace of the nation, to Mount Stuart, the fabulous gothic mansion on Bute. Visit ruined castles in impossibly romantic locations, marvel at historic houses and gaze in wonder at Bronze Age standing stones.

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Clans of Argyll & the Isles

Argyll & the Isles has a rich and fascinating past. But perhaps the most colourful – and bloody – aspect of the region’s history was its clan system. By the 13th century the clans had put down firm roots in Argyll & the Isles. The most important clan chiefs at this time were part-kings, part-protectors and part-judges and they held real power over their controlled lands.

Today many clans can be traced back to specific parts of Argyll & the Isles. These centres are great places to visit if you want to find out more about a particular clan’s heritage or your ancestry and its place in Highland history.

Downloadable Guide
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Make a Pilgrimage

Across Argyll & the Islands there is a wide selection of Pilgrim sites that represent both recent and ancient history of Scotland and further afield.

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Go Wild About Argyll's Castles & Heritage

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Kilchurn Castle

Kilchurn Castle was built in the mid-1400s, and since then has been a fortress, comfortable residence and later a garrison stronghold. It contains the oldest...

Kilchurn Castle
Lochawe
Dalmally
PA33 1AF

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Ardkinglas House

Situated on the shores of Loch Fyne in Argyll, against a spectacular background of mountain and forest, Ardkinglas Estate covers about 4800 hectares. Ardking...

Ardkinglas Estate
Cairndow
Argyll
PA26 8BN

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Cruachan The Hollow Mountain

Journey into the underground world of Cruachan Power Station and discover the cavernous machine hall and power-generating turbines deep within Ben Cruachan m...

Cruachan Visitor Centre
Dalmally
Argyll
Scotland
PA33 1AN

Tel: 01866 962 630

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The Wild Scot

Failte - My name is Perri Hopkinson and I am a Scottish Blue Badge Tourist Guide offering private luxury tours around Scotland. I have boundless energy and e...

Head Office, Portsonachan
Dalmally
Argyll
PA33 1BJ

Tel: +44 7943613334

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Rothesay Castle

Situated on the Isle of Bute, Rothesay Castles dates back to the early 13th century and is remarkably well preserved in spite of its age. Built by the Stewar...

Rothesay Castle
Castlehill Street
Rothesay
Isle of Bute
PA20 0DA

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Inveraray Private Hire – Taxi Service 

I’m Kathy Cameron, owner, and driver of Inveraray Private Hire. I’ve spent years working across Scotland and Europe and am passionate about offering a friend...

Head Office, 15 Arkland
Inveraray
Argyll
PA32 8UD

Tel: 07775 691641

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Edgelands Gallery & Cultural Centre

From tropical sands to the ice flows of the northern arctic, Edgelands is an art gallery and cultural space that creates opportunities to explore the more-th...

Edgelands Gallery & Cultural Centre
North Ardminish [Farm]
Isle of Gigha
Online Anytime
*Currently Open by Appointment only*
PA41 7AA

Tel: 07415889065

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Explore Lismore

Explore Lismore is a small tour operator on the Scottish Isle of Lismore, which is run by the husband and wife team of Robert & Iris. We offer bespoke, p...

1 Port Ramsay
Isle of Lismore by Oban
Argyll
PA34 5UN

Tel: +44 (0) 1631 760 291

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Explore all the places to visit in Argyll & the Isles

3700km of coastline, 23 inhabited islands, major towns and villages are all waiting for you.

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