Oban & Lorn visible history

Castle Stalker
Between all the castles in Argyll this is arguably the most famous and scenic of them all. To get to Castle Stalker, follow the A828 from Oban north bound for about 11 miles, then, in the village of Appin, take a right turn towards Port Appin. Immediately after, you will see the remains of the castle, set on its own small island in the middle of Loch Laich. Park on the car park beside the road, and walk down the short path towards the castle. You will not be disappointed – whatever the weather is like, this is a unique and absolute magical setting.

The castle was built around 1495 by a guy called Duncan Stewart of Appin, who received the land as a reward for his support for James IV and his efforts to destroy the power of the Lords of the Isles. As many other castles in Scotland it saw a changeful history with battles and besieges, blood shed and murders.

The Campbell’s took the fortress in 1620, in 1685 it was re-taken by the previous owners, the Stewarts, abandoned in the late 1700s and slowly degenerating since. It was only in the 1960s that the restoration of parts of the castle have begun. Guided visits to the castle are possible between April and September.

Kilchurn Castle
One of the most photographed castles in Scotland, situated on the northern end of Loch Awe. It was built as a tower house around 1420 by Sir Colin Campbell of Glenorchy, and from the turn of the 16th century on it was steadily expanded and modified. Unlike many other castles in Scotland, its history was rather peaceful and trouble-free. The castle was abandoned in the late 17th century, was struck by lightning shortly afterwards and is slowly decaying since. If you plan to explore the surroundings of the castle and Loch Awe, stay overnight at the comfortable Portsonachan Hotel or the lovely Ardbrecknish House .

St Conans Kirk
Leaving Kilchurn Castle and following the A85 towards Oban, you will soon reach St Conans Kirk. This church is surprisingly different from the first moment you see it. Its raised location above the shore of Loch Awe, the great views and the rich gardens surrounding it make it feel and look more like a place in the mediterranean than a church in northern Scotland. The architecture of the building is equally different, not to say strange. It doesn't follow a particular style, it is more a "Best Of" many periods and influences, with interesting and unusual features such as the 3 water sprouts in the shape of a dog and 2 rabbits, the stained glass windows, carved stone owls, towers and a romanesque style Cloister Garth.

The interior of the church is more consitent, and mainly follows a Romanesque style with a particular nice chancel. The attention to detail is incredible, and certainly need time to be explored to the full. The nave is surrounded by a selection of smaller chapels including St Conval's Chapel, St Bride's Chapel and the Bruce Chapel. The latter features a larger than life sized effigy of Robert de Bruce, carved from wood, with alabaster face and hands. Also to see here is a fragment of bone of Robert which was taken from his burial place at Dunfermline Abbey.

Gylen Castle
This castle on the island of Kerrerra just outside Oban Bay was built in 1587. For quite a few years it was the home to the family of the MacDougals befor it was burnt down in 1647 by Major-General Leslie's Covenanter Army during the Wars of the Covenant.

Unfortunately all of those seeking shelter in the fortress were killed during the attack or after surrendering. The castle was restored in recent years and is now in private hand.

Dunollie Castle
Oban’s oldest surviving building, captured by the Irish Loarn brothers in 498. The brothers also gave name to the region around the castle, today known as Lorn.

Ardchattan Priory Gardens
The Priory is Scotland's second oldest inhabited house and it was here that the last Gaelic speaking Scottish Parliament was held in 1308. The garden around is an ideal place for a quite and relaxing hour.

Dunstaffnage Castle
The castle was first built in the 6th century by the Kings of Dalriada when they migrated from Ireland to Scotland. Rumours say that the Stone of Destiny, which played a key role in the crowning ceremony of the Scottish kings until about 1292, was kept here. In 1249 the castle of Dunstaffnage was to be the first target of King Alexander II in his attempt to take the Hebrides from Norwegian rule. Unfortunately he died under rather mysterious circumstances on the island of Kerrera just outside Oban Bay before he could make his attack. In 1470 the building and grounds became property of the first Earl of Argyll, Colin Campbell, and remained in the family ever since. In 1685 the castle burned down, garrisoned by government troops in 1745, served as a temporary prison for Flora McDonald, when she was arrested after assisting Prince Charlie in his attempt to flee the prison in 1746. The castle underwent several modifications and additions, and the courtyard buildings remained occupied until the 1800s.