Inveraray Castle

Inveraray Castle is one of Scotland's most iconic stately homes, the ancestral seat of the Duke of Argyll, Chief of Clan Campbell. With its distinctive grey-green towers and turrets rising against the shores of Loch Fyne, the castle looks like something from a fairy tale. The current structure was built in the mid-18th century, replacing an earlier fortified castle that had served the Campbells for centuries.

The interior is every bit as impressive as the exterior, featuring magnificent state rooms filled with priceless collections of porcelain, tapestries, and weapons. The Armoury Hall displays one of the finest collections of Scottish arms in existence, with muskets, swords, and pikes arranged in spectacular patterns on the walls. The castle has welcomed notable visitors throughout its history, including Queen Victoria, and more recently served as a filming location for Downton Abbey.

The castle grounds and gardens are equally enchanting, with woodland walks, ornamental gardens, and stunning views across Loch Fyne. The nearby town of Inveraray itself is a perfect Georgian planned town, designed to complement the castle. A visit to Inveraray offers a fascinating insight into the power and influence of the Campbell clan, one of the most significant families in Scottish history.