As I was up at the Inveraray Highland Games yesterday, I decided to venture slightly further north to visit the stunning Kilchurn Castle, one of Scotland’s most photographed castles.
The castle sits on the north east end of Loch Awe, the 3rd largest freshwater Loch in Scotland.
It was built in the mid 15th century as a base for the Campbells of Glenorchy. They were one of the strongest branches of the Campbells, and they dominated the Central Highlands for 2 centuries from around 1430.
Kilchurn was the first of many castles that they built while expanding their territory.
In 1432, Sir Colin Campbell was granted the land and he built the castle around 1450. It was his son, Duncan, who added the main dining hall. During the latter half of the 16th century, another Sir Colin Campbell further added to the castle, building chambers. He also built Taymouth Castle in Perthshire due to gaining land. In 1614, a chapel was added by Sir Duncan Campbell, and he also built Finlaig Castle. Sir John Campbell joins the Jacobite Rising of the Earl of Mar in 1715, and after being unsuccessful returned to Kilchurn to find the castle had been granted to Alexander Campbell of Fonab.
The Campbell’s moved to Taymouth Catle in 1740. The government refused to buy Kilchurn Castle and it was left to go to ruin in the storms.
The castle originally sat on an island within Loch Awe, only accessed by a bridge or a boat, but in 1817, the water level was lowered to allow it to be accessed easier.
Several spirits have been reported here. Voices have been heard inside and outside the castle. People report to feeling watched and uneasy, with one lady claiming a spirit pushed her so hard she fell and broke her ankle. It’s said the castle is haunted by sad, upset spirits, with one female spirit heard screaming for help. It is reported a young child was walled up in the tower. Is it possible this lady is screaming for help in finding her child?
Project Paranormal 