Castles of Clan MacIntyre

Glen Noe (Argyll)
Glen Noe, located on the eastern shore of Loch Etive beneath Ben Cruachan, was the historic seat of the chiefs of Clan MacIntyre. The family held this land for centuries under a symbolic rent arrangement to the Campbells of Breadalbane. Though not a stone castle, it served as the clan’s home and power base from the 14th century until 1806, when rising rents forced their departure. Today, ruins and a monument mark the site, which remains sacred in clan memory. Glen Noe is considered the heartland of MacIntyre heritage.

Camus-na-h-Erie (Loch Leven, Lochaber)
Camus-na-h-Erie, on the shores of Loch Leven near Ballachulish, became the seat of a cadet branch of Clan MacIntyre after the main line left Glen Noe. The family maintained their presence here into the 20th century and registered arms in the 1950s. While there was no castle in the traditional sense, the estate held a chapel and laird’s house that preserved the clan’s lineage and traditions. Surrounded by dramatic Highland scenery, Camus-na-h-Erie represented continuity for the MacIntyre name. It remains closely tied to the modern line of MacIntyre chiefs.

Castles Loosely Associated with Clan MacIntyre

Dunstaffnage Castle (Argyll)
Dunstaffnage Castle, near Oban, was the seat of the medieval Lords of Lorn. Clan MacIntyre served as hereditary foresters to these lords, particularly under the MacDougalls. The clan’s duties included overseeing the woodlands surrounding the castle and likely providing support during wartime. Though never theirs, Dunstaffnage became a key part of their early history. Its great stone curtain walls and towers still stand above the sea.

Castle Menzies (Perthshire)
Castle Menzies, near Aberfeldy, was the stronghold of Clan Menzies, who employed MacIntyre pipers as hereditary musicians. The relationship continued into the 19th century, and many MacIntyre families lived on the Menzies estate. The castle, built in the 16th century, still features crow-stepped gables and defensive towers. Though not a MacIntyre seat, the bond of service and cultural heritage makes it a meaningful site in clan tradition. It is now a restored and publicly accessible estate.

Castle Tioram (Loch Moidart, Highland)
Castle Tioram, the island stronghold of the Clanranald branch of Clan Donald, was connected to Clan MacIntyre through their service as pipers. MacIntyre musicians were part of the retinue that lived within and around the castle. Their presence highlights the clan’s musical legacy and its integration into other powerful Highland families. Today, Tioram’s ruined walls sit atop a tidal island, offering one of the most scenic castle views in Scotland. The site’s ties to MacIntyre history are remembered in clan lore.

Moy Castle and Moy Hall (Inverness-shire)
Moy Castle, on an island in Loch Moy, and later Moy Hall onshore, were the seats of Clan Mackintosh, chiefs of Clan Chattan. The MacIntyres served as hereditary pipers to the Mackintosh chiefs and were often present at clan ceremonies and events. Their role in the cultural life of Moy gives them a historic connection to this territory. Though not landowners, they were an integral part of the household. Moy Castle’s ruins and Moy Hall’s later mansion reflect this layered heritage.

Barcaldine Castle (Argyll)
Barcaldine Castle, also known as the “Black Castle,” was built by the Campbells of Glenorchy in the 17th century. A MacIntyre chief married into the Barcaldine Campbells, forging familial ties. This connection granted the MacIntyres proximity to political power and a degree of protection. The L-plan castle with turrets and battlements is well preserved and still privately owned. It remains an architectural symbol of MacIntyre connections through marriage.

Kilchurn Castle (Argyll)
Kilchurn Castle, built in the 15th century on Loch Awe, was a major Campbell fortress. The MacIntyres, as tenants of the Campbells of Breadalbane, lived under the shadow of this castle both geographically and politically. Glen Noe, their home, lay just across the mountain from Kilchurn. Although not residents, the clan’s history was shaped by its proximity. The castle’s dramatic location and tower ruins are now one of Argyll’s most photographed landmarks.

Inverlochy Castle (Highland)
Inverlochy Castle, near Fort William, was the backdrop for the 1645 Battle of Inverlochy. MacIntyres fought alongside Campbell forces under the Marquess of Argyll during the battle, which ended in a decisive Royalist victory. Their involvement places them at a pivotal moment in Highland warfare. The castle’s curtain walls and towers still stand near the River Lochy. Though not their own, Inverlochy reflects the MacIntyres’ military history.

References

Coventry, M. (2010). The Castles of Scotland (5th ed.). Musselburgh: Goblinshead.
Tabraham, C. (2005). Scotland’s Castles. London: Batsford.
MacIntyre, D. (1996). A Short History of Clan MacIntyre. Clan MacIntyre Association.
Historic Environment Scotland. (n.d.). Castle Records and Listings.
RCAHMS. (n.d.). National Monuments Record of Scotland.