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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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

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Historic Kilmun

At Historic Kilmun we have some unique experiences we want to share with you. Historic Kilmun, a former church, with the Argyll Mausoleum at its side, overlo...

Historic Kilmun
Kilmun
Dunoon
Argyll
PA23 8SD

Tel: 07887 856514

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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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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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Inveraray Jail

Experience the true stories of what life was like in Inveraray Jail for the men, women and children – some as young as seven – who were tried and locked up h...

Inveraray Jail
Church Square
Inveraray
Argyll
PA32 8TX

Tel: 01499 302381

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Ardkinglas Woodland Garden

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 Office
The Square, Cairndow
Argyll
PA26 8BG

Tel: 01499 600261

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Kathy Cameron Tour Guide & Driver

Let me take you on a bespoke and personal tour of my native Scotland, which I love so much. We can discover Scotland’s rich history and visit distilleries an...

15 Arkland
Inveraray
Argyll
PA32 8UD

Tel: +44 (0) 7775691641

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Iona Abbey

Take a ferry ride to Iona and discover one of Scotland’s most sacred sites.

This small island by Mull has been a vibrant centre of Christian worship ever sin...

Iona Abbey
Isle of Iona
Argyll
PA76 6SQ

Tel: 01681 700 512

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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
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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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