Carnasserie Castle

Carnasserie Castle stands in Argyll and Bute, 2 kilometres north of Kilmartin. Built in the 16th century, it is a ruined tower house noted for its unusual plan and Renaissance detailing. The castle was constructed by John Carswell, a churchman who published the first book printed in Scottish Gaelic. Carswell served as Rector of Kilmartin and later as Bishop of the Isles. Construction began in 1565 using masons from Stirling, though it was notionally built for the Earl of Argyll. The castle was intended as Carswell’s personal residence. The castle’s history is marked by conflict, particularly during Argyll’s Rising in 1685. It was garrisoned for the Earl of Argyll under Dugald MacTavish of Clan MacTavish. The castle was captured and partly destroyed by Royalist forces led by MacLean of Torloisk. After surrendering, MacTavish was hanged near the gateway. The aftermath of the Rising devastated Argyllshire, leaving Duncan Campbell financially ruined. The castle was never rebuilt, and the estate eventually passed to the Malcolms of Poltalloch in the 19th century. Visitors find a substantial 16th-century tower house with a three-storey hall. The basement contains cellars and a kitchen with a large fireplace. Above this is a large hall connected to a drawing room with a stone floor and carved fireplace. A broad stair leads from the entrance to the hall, and a smaller stair ascends to the parapet walk. The exterior features decorative gunloops, string courses, and the arms of the 5th Earl of Argyll. A partially walled courtyard garden lies to the south and west, with an archway inscribed with the initials of Sir Duncan Campbell and Lady Henrietta Lindsay.