Benderloch
Barcaldine Castle, located on the shores of Loch Creran with spectacular views to the snow-capped mountains of Glencoe. The castle has a mixed history but was built originally by Sir Duncan Campbell of Glenorchy between 1601 and 1609, and In 1692 the castle was attacked during the massacre of Glencoe. The castle fell into disrepair in the later part of the 19th century but was again restored between 1897-1911. The castle today not only offers B&B but also the chance for guests and Ghost Hunters (if lucky) to catch a glimpse of Donald Campbell, the Laird of Barcaldine who was brutally murdered inside the castle in the 1600s.
The view looking north over Tralee Bay, with Loch Creran and the Appin mountains in the distance, taken from the top of “Lady Margarets Tower” in the Lochnell Estate. Just a wonderful area to spend some time in.
Not far from the shores of Tralee Bay in Benderloch Scotland sits Lochnell Castle. The main structure of the castle dates back to the 15th Century though changes were made to the building in 1730 when a ‘neoclassical’ front was added to the Castle, and then later in the 1780’s when the Georgian Castle and Chapel were joined. The house at some point in time was damaged by a serious fire but has since been mostly restored. The mansion has been held by the (Douglas Blair) Cochrane Earl of Dundonald since 1912, when they purchased the estate.
Lady Margaret’s Tower sits high on a hilltop in the Lochnell Estate Benderloch and overlooks Ardmucknish Bay, it has a building date of “1754” inscribed on a plaque above the entrance door, unfortunately it’s history was destroyed in the 1800s when fire ravaged through Lochnell Castle leaving behind the question as to it’s purpose. Local legend has it that it was originally built between 1747-1754 by “Duncan Campbell 7th of Lochnell” to create work for local men who had suffered after the defeat of the Jacobite’s at Culloden in 1745. No matter what, once inside the Tower and having climbed the circular staircase to the top you are rewarded with a 360deg panorama of the Oban and Lorn area and what must be one of Scotlands best coastal views.
Thanks to all Phoide contributors to Benderloch!
Most notably The Jacobite.