Visible history
Carrick Castle
Situated in a dramatic position on the west shore of Loch Goil, south of Lochgoilhead, this castle may date from the 12th century.

It was a Campbell stronghold, captured by Atholl and destroyed by fire in 1685, during Argyll’s rebellion. It remains roofless but the ruins are impressive, with two floors above the central hall.

There is a curiosity – a small chimney, for whatever reason, is built into a window recess. If you are fit and an experienced walker, there is a footpath signposted through Argyll Forest Park from Ardentinny, near the southern entrance to Loch Long, to Carrick Castle.



Highland Mary statue in Dunoon
On a raised position in the grounds of the Cowal Gardens beside the Castlehouse museum, watching the ships sail up and down the river Clyde stands the statue of Highland Mary. Mary Campbell was born at Auchamore Farm, Dunoon, as the daughter of a local ship owner, and became later known for her liaison with famous Scottish poet Robert Burns.

Dunoon Castle
Very little remains of this castle - one of the earliest stone castles in Scotland, dating from the 12th century. It would originally have belonged to the Lamont family but became a royal castle with the Earls of Argyll (Campbells) as hereditary keepers, paying a nominal rent of a red rose. This was last tendered to the sovereign when the present Queen (Elizabeth II) visited Dunoon. Rather earlier, Mary, Queen of Scots, stayed in the castle in 1563 and granted several charters during her visit.

The castle was destroyed during the rebellion in 1685 when Atholl torched and murdered his way through Argyll. There is another interesting local link with Atholl’s ravages in what is called "The Paper Cave". This is a deep cleft on the hillside on the opposite bank of Loch Eck, facing the Coylet Hotel. It is about 550 feet up and difficult to access. The charters and titles of Argyll were hidden here at the time of Atholl’s Raid in 1685.

Toward Castle
The castle now ruinous was the principal castle of the Lamont family. The castle was basically an oblong tower house standing on a promontory down which much of the masonry collapsed. The tower was probably built in the mid 15th century and associated with it is a courtyard with gatehouse. A hall and kitchen buildings ranged on the east of the court may date from the late 16th to the early 17th centuries.
However, local tradition calls the gateway 'Queen Mary's Gate' implying that the hall house may belong to the mid-16th Century, as the Queen, visited and stayed at Toward Castle in 1563 AD after her return from France. (also spending the night at Dunoon Castle and Carrick Castle on Loch Goil).

In 1646 AD, the castle was assaulted by the Campbells with sword and fire and the Lamonts surrendered on the promise that lives would be spared and they would be allowed safe conduct. This was violated and many (possibly 200) were taken to Dunoon by boat and at least 36 were hung from one tree in the grounds of Castle Gardens by the Kirk. The Lamont Chiefs sister had survived and hid the letter of safe conduct in her hair and was able to produce this evidence of treachery to the King, who duly punished the offenders. In 1663 AD Sir James Lamont was reinstated in his property but Toward Castle was never rebuilt by the Lamont Chiefs and stands a sad ruin amongst its woods, a reminder of the harsher times of the past. In 1906 a memorial was built at Tom-a-Mhoid road by the Lamont Clan to commemorate their fallen kinsmen and ancestors.

Castle Lachlan
South of Strachur on Loch Fyne, on the B800, south west of the junction with the A886, this is another early castle, part of which dates from the 12th or 13th century. It was the seat of the chiefs of the MacLachlan clan. MacLachlan joined the Jacobite cause in the 1745 rising – a difficult business since his land was surrounded by the lands of the Campbell’s who supported the English.

MacLachlan and one of his sons were killed at Culloden and the castle was sacked in 1746, although the MacLachlans later had their lands restored.

Auchategan, Glendaruel
Excavations here by Cowal Archaeological Society revealed a long history of occupation beginning with Neolithic settlers. Flint tools and stone cooking places were found.

Ach Na Ha Cairn
This impressive Neolithic burial chamber stands beside the road along Loch Fyneside, a mile south of the junction with the Glendaruel road. It consists of tall upright stones forming the chamber, with the remains of a forecourt.