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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Dunollie Museum, Castle & Grounds

Dunollie Museum Castle and Grounds is a heritage site international significance situated just 1 mile north of Oban. It is now run by a small independent cha...

Dunollie Museum Castle and Grounds
Ganavan Road
Oban
PA34 5TT

Tel: 01631 570550

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Castle House Museum

Situated in Castle Gardens, Castle House Museum is at the heart of the history of Dunoon.

From our windows, we have picturesque views of the Victorian Pier a...

Castle House Museum
Castle Gardens
3 Argyll Street
Dunoon
PA23 7HH

Tel: 01369 701422

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Mount Stuart Trust

Mount Stuart features magnificent Victorian Gothic architecture and design together with contemporary craftsmanship. The house is surrounded by extensive gro...

Mount Stuart
Isle of Bute
Argyll
PA20 9LR

Tel: +44 (0) 1700 503877

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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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Tarbert Life

Welcome to the online home of Tarbert Life. Here, you can enjoy stepping into the past and discovering more about Tarbert’s royal roots, following the genera...

Tarbert Life
Tarbert

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Wild at Art Ltd

Our immersive creative experiences combine art workshops with handpicked accommodation and eateries, visits to galleries and exhibitions, and more. Develop y...

Wild at Art Ltd
North Campbell Road
Innellan
Dunoon
Argyll
PA23 7SB

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Wreckspeditions

Fancy a new and exciting way of exploring the historic Clyde and her beautiful coastlines? Maybe you would like to see some amazing wildlife and jump some wa...

Unit 2b
Holy Loch Marina
Dunoon
PA23 8FE

Tel: 07593 088816

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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 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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