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. Discover architecturally important sites across the region.

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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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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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Castle Stalker

Castle Stalker – in the Gaelic, Stalcaire, meaning Hunter or Falconer – is believed originally to have been the site of a Fortalice (a small fortified buildi...

Castle Stalker
Appin
PA38 4BL

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Dunollie Museum, Castle & Grounds

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

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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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 si...

Iona Abbey
Isle of Iona
Argyll
PA76 6SQ

Tel: 01681 700 512

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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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Rothesay Pavilion (opening 2027)

Rothesay Pavilion, a 1930s modernist gem on the Isle of Bute, reopens in 2027 as a vibrant hub for locals, visitors, and creatives. Overlooking Rothesay Bay,...

c/o The Bank of Ideas
17 High Street
Rothesay
PA20 9AS

Tel: 07747770018

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Historic Kilmun

Historic Kilmun is a 19th-century church building sited next to a Medieval tower. Now owned by a charity, the venue is available for exclusive hire. In addit...

Kilmun
Dunoon
Argyll
PA23 8SE

Tel: 07887 856514

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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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