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.

Background image - Rail And Trail Calmac Ferry

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
Background image - Campbeltown

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.

Explore

Go Wild About Argyll's Castles & Heritage

Background image - dbh_image.jpg
Dunoon Burgh Hall

Our mission for Dunoon Burgh Hall is to be an arts and cultural centre for Dunoon, Cowal and Scotland, rooted in the heart of the local community. By bringin...

195 Argyll Street
Dunoon
PA23 7DD

Discover more
Background image - lismore.jpg
Hebridean Air Services

Our 30-minute scenic flights take in castles and other points of interest around Oban and Lorn. Our sightseer tickets allow you to fly on the schedule withou...

Oban Airport
North Connel
PA37 1SW

Tel: 0845 805 7465

Discover more
Background image - campbeltown_picture_house_exterior5.jpg
Campbeltown Picture House

Campbeltown Picture House, designed by Albert V Gardner of Glasgow in 1913 in Glasgow School Art Nouveau style, is a Category A Listed building and one of th...

26 Hall Street
Campbeltown
Argyll
PA28 6BU

Discover more
Background image - edgelands-main-banner.jpg
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

Discover more
Background image - rothesay_castle_hes.jpg
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

Discover more
Background image - Castlehouse Museum
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

Discover more
Background image - External Full Entance Shot With Ishbel In Window
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

Discover more
Background image - lismore20.jpg
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

Discover more
< Prev
Page 1 2 3 5

Delve into Blogs to Take You Back In Time

All you need to know on where to go for the best castle and heritage spots
Food Drink Icon
EAT & DRINK
Explore
See Do Icon
SEE & DO
Explore
Stay Icon
STAY
Explore
Background image - Waa Single Letter Outline

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.

Explore
Background image - Eilean Garbh Beaches 2 Rh