The Castle was historically a Campbell stronghold but is likely to have been built on an earlier McGregor of Glenstrae site. The McGregors were the dominant clan in the area until being eclipsed by the Campbells.
The Castle was held by the Campbells for 400 years and became a government stronghold in Jacobean times. The Campbells were always on the right (winning) side. At this time is was extended to include a very substantial barracks and outer walls.
With the pacification of the Highland Clans and the dispersal of the McGregors the Castle outlived its usefulness. Lord Glenorchy became the Duke of Breadalbane as the Campbells power and wealth grew and the family moved to Taymouth Castle in Perthshire (and about 200 rooms!).
At its peak the Castle was a fortress and a very grand home. A day spent at Register House in Edinburgh reveals an extremely advanced society of immense wealth and power.
The family records going back to the time of the Bruce, being lodged here at Register House. They also show that "Glenorchy" wouldn't pay his tailor in Edinburgh.
The Castle was abandoned completely at the end of the 18th Century and then had the misfortune to be burnt out after a "lightning strike" (Most likely a stray McGregor).
The Castle being on an island it did not suffer badly from local "quarrying" but some houses round the Loch "have a suspicious look" to them.
In the 1890s the water level of the Loch was lowered to allow road building and the castle can now be accessed by foot from the main A85. You can park your car safely near the bridge over the River Orchy.
In 1951 the Castle was put into the Guardianship of the State and is maintained and administered by Historic Scotland (a government funded body). The title to the Castle is presently owned by Highland Heritage Limited, a local Group Tour Company.
The fabric of the Castle is in unusually good order and access is by a ½ mile walk on a rough path. The scale of the construction is vast and extremely interesting. Historic Scotland have built access stairs and it is possible to climb to the highest towers from where the views are breathtaking. It is open every day and until 9pm in the summer.
It is also possible to visit the Castle in summer by boat from Loch Awe station. This costs about £5 and includes a trip round the loch and a number of Stone Age Crannogs which came to light when the Loch water level was lowered.
In recent years advances in fishing gear and techniques have resulted in the landing of a British Record Brown Trout of 25lbs and in 2000 a 30lb monster, all within sight of the Castle. In the late 19th Century a 39½lb Brown Trout was recorded but was disregarded as it "couldn't be possible". Ho, ho, ho!
Loch Awe is one of the most interesting and beautiful areas in Scotland and its well worth spending a few days here. See the Highland Heritage website by clicking here.
Ian Cleaver
Managing Director of Highland Heritage Ltd
Use of the castle for events or commercial purposes contact:
Historic Scotland, Regional Office Central, Argyll's Lodging,
Castle Wynd, Stirling, FK8 1EG
www.historic-scotland.gov.uk
