Nestled on the picturesque island of Innis Chonnell on Loch Awe in Argyll and Bute, Scotland, stands the ruins of Ardchonnel Castle. This 13th-century castle is a testament to Scotland’s rich history and the power and influence of the Clan Campbell.

The castle was once a formidable stronghold of the Clan Campbell, one of Scotland’s most powerful families. It was constructed in the mid-13th century and served as the chief seat of the Campbell family until the late 15th century. The castle is divided into three areas, with the outer eastern courtyard, oval in shape, surrounded by a curtain wall. At the western end of the courtyard, a gatehouse leads to the central courtyard, which is also defend by a curtain wall. The innermost courtyard, the oldest part of the castle, is a roughly square area surrounded by a thick wall with solid turrets and entered by a simple arched gateway.

The Campbell family’s tenure in the area dates back to the 11th century, with their base originally located in Lochawe. Sir Duncan Campbell, who inherited the castle in about 1414 and was made Lord Campbell in 1445, is believed to have made improvements to the castle. It later functioned as a prison and was in ruins by the 19th century.

Today, Ardchonnel Castle is a popular tourist destination and a fascinating historical site. The ruins of the castle and the island are jointly a designated scheduled monument, listed by the Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Scotland. The castle remains the private property of the Campbell family.

Visitors to Ardchonnel Castle can explore the ruins and imagine what life was like for the residents of the castle in its heyday. The castle’s strategic location on an island in Loch Awe adds to its allure and provides stunning views of the surrounding landscape.