Kilchurn Castle might lie mostly in ruins, but that doesn't mean that it isn't worth adding to your list of sites to see in Scotland. Found on the northeastern banks of Loch Awe in Argyll and Bute, this waterfront castle has a very romantic appeal, even if much of it has crumbled over time. Many photographers has certainly been allured by its scenic qualities, and you won't want to forget your camera when visiting. Loch Awe adds to the overall appeal of the setting, as do the mountains in the background, and the land surrounding the base of the castle is a rich, emerald green during the warmer season.

The history of Kilchurn Castle begins in the mid-1400s. This was when Sir Colin Campbell had the structure built. Campbell was the first Lord of Glenorchy, and when he passed away, other Campbell family members added on to the site. More buildings were erected in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. Interestingly enough, Sir John Campbell of Glenorchy converted Kilchurn Castle into a barracks in the 1600s, as the history of Scotland saw this period as particularly turbulent. The barracks could house up to 200 troops, and among the features that pertained to this conversion is the L-shaped block that can be found on the castle's northern side.

Following along with the history of Kilchurn Castle, the structure eventually became a government garrison in the 1700s. Due largely in part to the Jacobite Rebellions of the 1700s, the Campbell family made attempts to sell the castle to the Government after moving to Taymouth Castle, though no sale was ever executed. In 1760, a powerful lightning strike badly damaged Kilchurn Castle Scotland and the structure was abandoned. Today, Historic Scotland cares for the castle, and anyone who wishes to visit can do so, provided that they show up at the right time.

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Historic Scotland is a Scottish Government agency that is charged with taking care of historic monuments such as the many Scottish castles. It allows people to visit Kilchurn Castle during the summer season only, so you will want to plan accordingly when looking to enjoy a tour of the grounds. Among the highlights of a tour is the opportunity to admire the castle from various angles, and you might make special note of the podium-like rock structure that lies in the courtyard. This structure used to be the top of a circular tower. It was blown clear off the tower by the 1760 lightning strike. The site of the castle can be reached by boat, with Lochawe pier being your arrival point. It is also possible to access the site by way of foot from the village of Dalmally.