Updated:
16-dec-2009



I visited this castle in 1998.

Carnasserie Castle lies north of the village of Kilmartin in Scotland.

The castle is situated on a wild and windswept setting high on a ridge above the Kilmartin valley It was built between 1565 and 1572 by reforming churchman John Carswell, who was Rector of Kilmartin, Chancellor of the Chapel Royal at Stirling, and later titular Bishop of Argyll and the Isles. Carswell held the lands and castle in custody from Archibald Campbell, 5th Earl of Argyll.

Carnasserie Castle is a key building of its generation, marking the fusion of medieval tower and great hall into one integrated layout. It also bears some fine early Renaissance decoration. The castle was captured and partly blown up during the 9th Earl of Argyll's rebellion against James VII in 1685.

This is a nice, quiet ruin with a spectacular view of the Kilmartin Glen from the top of the tower.

Back to top.