Inveraray Castle

Inveraray Castle stands on the shore of Loch Fyne, Scotland’s longest sea loch, in Argyll and Bute. It is a country house built in the Gothic Revival style, replacing an earlier 15th-century castle. The present structure was begun in 1746 under Archibald Campbell, Earl of Ilay, who became the 3rd Duke of Argyll. Designers included William Adam and Roger Morris, while later neoclassical interiors were added by Robert Mylne for the 5th Duke. The castle has four round towers with steep conical roofs and crenellated parapets. In 1975 a fire caused serious damage, but the 12th Duke and his family remained on site during restoration. The castle is notable for its collection of over 1,300 weapons, including pikes, muskets and swords. It remains the home of the 13th Duke of Argyll and his family, who occupy private apartments between two of the towers. The estate covers 60,000 acres and supports forestry, farming, hydro power and deer stalking. Recent improvements introduced central heating using wood-chips from the family’s forests. The castle is a Category A listed building and its banner flies when the duke is in residence. Visitors find neoclassical rooms open to the public, designed by Robert Mylne in the 18th century. The surrounding 16-acre garden and wider estate offer walks and views across Loch Fyne. The castle has appeared in television productions such as Downton Abbey and A Very British Scandal. It is said to be haunted and hosts cultural events organised by the Duchess. The setting remains secluded after the village of Inveraray was moved in the 1770s to give the castle greater privacy.