Barcaldine Castle

Barcaldine Castle, also known as the “Black Castle,” serves as a striking example of the fortified tower houses that characterized the Scottish Highlands in the early seventeenth century. It was built between 1601 and 1609 for Sir Duncan Campbell of Glenorchy, better known as Black Duncan, from which the castle got its moniker.

The castle became the seat of Sir Duncan’s son, Patrick Campbell, the first Laird of Barcaldine, and remained an important residence for their branch of Clan Campbell for over a century. In 1735, however, the Campbells abandoned the old tower house for a more modern mansion in a nearby village. Soon after, the castle began falling into ruin, losing part of its walls and roof.

A revival began near the end of the 19th century, when the Campbells repurchased the property after selling it just decades before. The extensive restoration lasted between 1897 and the early 1906, led by Sir Duncan Campbell, 10th Laird of Barcaldine. While the original exterior stonework was preserved, the interior was reconstructed, and new decorative features such as turrets were added.

In 2009, the castle became a private guesthouse owned and managed by David Whitehead. He warmly welcomes visitors looking to experience the beauty of the Highlands while staying in an actual fortified stronghold.

When it was built in 1609, Barcaldine Castle served as a residence and defensive stronghold necessitated by rivalries of Scottish Clans. Commissioned by Sir Duncan Campbell of Glenorchy, the castle consists of a main rectangular block with a wing set at right angles, forming the characteristic L shape. The castle’s was constructed using local stone and was at certain points up to 9 feet (2.7 meters) thick. This level of fortification was required during the period Barcaldine was built, due to the ongoing rivalries of Scottish Clans.

While much of the castle’s medieval appearance is intact, it has also been expanded with decorative turrets during the 1900s restoration. The castle also once featured gun-loops and shot-holes for defense, many of which were later sealed during restoration. Barcaldine Castle even retains its secret stairways and passages, which contributed to the stronghold's defensibility.

For its interior, the castle has a vaulted ground floor that once housed the storage, service rooms, and even a prison. The second floor held the Great Hall, while the guest rooms occupied the upper levels. These rooms strike a balance between contemporary and period aesthetics, creating accommodations with an immersive old-world atmosphere.

Dining at Barcaldine Castle offers guests a blend of traditional Scottish hospitality featuring local traditional recipes and specialties.

Each morning, guests will start their day with a freshly prepared breakfast, available from 7:45 am to 9:30 am. The menu ranges from hearty full Scottish plates of bacon, sausages, haggis, and eggs, to vegetarian and vegan alternatives such as veggie haggis, mushrooms, and beans. Lighter options include smoked salmon with scrambled eggs, porridge, omelettes, and fruits. The breakfast service is held within the castle’s centuries-old dining spaces, which boast classic aesthetics such as vaulted timber ceilings and exposed stone walls.

Although breakfast is the only meal formally provided, the castle can make flexible arrangements for other parts of the day. Guests are welcome to bring a cold picnic supper to enjoy either outdoors on the patio or by the fireside in the common rooms. A guest fridge and basic dining utensils are provided for this purpose and can be found in the Parlour. For visitors wishing to dine out, the castle staff can assist in arranging taxis to nearby restaurants. Guests who have made exclusive-use bookings of Barcaldine can also hire a private chef for the duration of their stay.

While there are many variations you could when it comes to a fairytale wedding, the classic option is, of course, to celebrate it in a castle. Barcaldine Castle offers exactly that, letting you book the 17th-century estate set along the banks of Loch Creran. You can hold an indoor ceremony in the historic Great Hall or opt for an outdoor ceremony in the gardens. Although the estate is spacious enough, the maximum number of guests the castle accommodates is 36.

Barcaldine Castle offers wedding packages that can include both ceremony and reception, which you can then customize. Although you'll have the support of a dedicated events team, you will need to coordinate with third-party services such as caterers, florists, stylists, and photographers.

Barcaldine Castle sits in the heart of Argyll, a region rich not only in natural beauty and history but also provides plenty of opportunities for outdoor adventures. The surrounding landscapes are home to quiet forests, watery lochs, and gentle hills, creating ideal settings for peaceful walks, biking trips, and cheerful picnics. Those who'd like to explore the water can rent kayaks or boats, and some seaside establishments even offer excursions and charters from Oban to the nearby islands.

History enthusiasts will find no shortage of important landmarks to visit and discover. Several notable castles, such as Dunstaffnage, Dunollie, and the picturesque Castle Stalker, are all within easy reach. Other cultural experiences that also feature prominently in the area include Oban Distillery, which offers whisky tastings and tours, and Argyll Pottery, showcasing locally crafted ceramics and wooden pieces.