The Duke's Tower

The Duke’s Tower stands on the shore of Loch Fyne in Inveraray, Argyll and Bute. It is a detached bell tower built of pink granite, forty-two metres high to the top of its stair turret. The tower has thick walls, some nearly a metre wide, and is square inside, each side measuring seven metres. It was designed by the architects Hoare and Wheeler with Somerset influences, including large belfry openings with stone tracery. The ground floor now holds an exhibition about the tower, its bells and their history. The tower was built as a memorial to Clan Campbell members who died in the First World War. It is Category A listed by Historic Environment Scotland and is regarded as one of the finest peals of bells in Scotland. Change ringers travel from across the country to ring the bells, which were cast by John Taylor & Co of Loughborough in 1920 and 1921. Their journey to Inveraray took weeks, with lorries breaking down and drivers seeking help on the Rest and Be Thankful pass. Visitors climb the tower to admire views over Loch Fyne and the surrounding hills. The ringing chamber, silence chamber and belfry can be seen on the way up. The belfry has seven large openings, now fitted with shutters to protect against weather and reduce noise outside. The stair turret ends in a pointed pinnacle twelve feet above the battlements. The tower remains a popular summer attraction for tourists and bell ringers alike.