Inveraray Castle (<small>pronounced</small> <small>or</small> ; Scottish Gaelic Caisteal Inbhir Aora ) is a country house near Inveraray in the county of Argyll, in western Scotland, on the shore of Loch Fyne, Scotland's longest sea loch. It is one of the earliest examples of Gothic Revival architecture.

It has been the seat of the Dukes of Argyll, chiefs of Clan Campbell, since the 18th century.

History and architecture

James V stayed at the old castle of Inveraray in September 1533. A new lute was bought for him in Glasgow and carried to Inveraray by his servant Troilus.

The present castle was built in the Gothic Revival style. Improvements on the estate began in 1743 by Archibald Campbell, Earl of Ilay, soon to become 3rd Duke of Argyll. The foundation stone of the new castle was laid in October 1746, and it replaced an earlier 15th-century castle. These are among the rooms open to the public. James Lees-Milne was not impressed by the house when he visited it in 1943, noting the "ugly" grey stone and calling it "grim and forbidding".

Modern era

The castle is open to visitors. Its collection includes more than 1,300 pikes, muskets, swords and other weapons.

The castle has featured in a number of media productions including: Downton Abbey (2012); Great Estates Scotland (2014); and Susan Calman's Secret Scotland (2020). The "Best of the West" festival, organised by the Duchess, was held at the castle each September until 2018. Other productions included An American Aristocrat's Guide to Great Estates, the BBC miniseries A Very British Scandal, and The Diplomat (2024).

The castle is reputedly haunted.

References

  • Its page in the Gazetteer for Scotland