The Ancient Castles of Clan MacLean

Let's start with the most famous Clan MacLean castle. Proudly sat upon the end of a peninsula guarding the Sound of Mull, the position of Duart Castle was cleverly thought out before being built. It really is one of the most eye-catching, spectacular fortresses on the West Coast of Scotland.

Now you might be thinking, has the castle always looked so picturesque? During the early stages of the Castle's tenure, it was simply a rectangular wall enclosing a courtyard, but over time these basic foundations were added to as the location took on a stronger defensible position. However, in 1691, Duart Castle was under siege by Archibald Campbell, 1st Duke of of Argyll, and the MacLean's were forced to surrender the stronghold and their lands.

After the castle had been abandoned for almost two centuries, it was purchased by Sir Fitzroy MacLean, 26th Chief, in 1910. Upon claiming the castle, he set himself the huge task of restoring the building and his efforts are being continued to this day by Sir Lachlan MacLean, 28th chief of the clan. The castle remains open to the public today, so why not jump on a ferry across to the Isle of Mull and delve deep into MacLean history?

If you would like to learn more about Duart Castle, you can check out Clan MacLean & Duart Castle: A Historic Tale, a blog produced by Katie McGuigan of Stirling University while she was on placement with us.

After discovering the sizeable Duart Castle, Aros Castle is quite the opposite. Only small ruins of the 13th century structure remain and they are somewhat difficult to explore, however that hasn't stopped it playing a major part within Clan MacLean history. Situated just 16 miles along the coastline from Duart Castle on the Isle of Mull, the origins of Aros Castle were thought to have been built by the MacDougall Clan.

Clan MacLean acquired the castle in 1493 after the suppression of the Lords of the Isles by James VI. Archibald Campbell, who (as mentioned above) took control of Duart Castle from the MacLean's, was also a key adviser to James VI Archibald would often use James' influence and this was the case when he sought Royal intervention to weaken powers of the MacLean's and the MacDonald's. If you are visiting the remains of the castle today, take great care as the sheer drops protecting the castle's seaward sides are still in existence. You can picture yourself thousands of years ago crossing the drawbridge over the deep ditch cut into the rock which protected the castle on the landward side. I do love a drawbridge!

Now, this is a castle that's been on quite a journey. In fact, there's two of them! Located on the edge of a beautiful sandy beach, Breachacha Castle was built all the way back in the 14th century and consists of a square tower of four storeys. The old castle was the stronghold of the MacLean's of Coll, and although it was replaced by a new dwelling in 1750, the stunning structure fell into ruin in the 19th century. The castle was later restored in the 1960's and transformed into a substantial family home. Having hosted the famous historical writer, Samuel Johnson, who travelled to the castle in 1733 on a tour of Scotland, the new castle is overflowing with history. The new building was constructed from a 15th century tower house, which was expanded into a clan seat for the MacLean's.

Located on the north east shore of the Sound of Mull, Drimnin castle has striking views over Mull. Built in the 15th century, the castle was owned by the MacLean family. In 1746 Allan MacLean divided the clan in the Jacobite cause at Culloden following the death of Sir Charles MacLean on Drimnin, who was leading the MacLean's in battle. The lands were sold due to bankruptcy and in 1835 the castle was bought by Sir Charles Gordon of Drimnin for £5,000. In 1838 he destroyed the castle and replaced it with a Roman Catholic chapel, which has now sadly been neglected. The estates decline came after Sir Charles' death in 1845. There are no visible remains of the castle except for a rubble wall which stands at a height of 0.9 metres, but the area is still worth a visit for the beautiful views across the Sound.

The Tower House, located at the head of Loch Aline, was built in the 15th century, and positioned for coastal defence. Although the castle seems remote, it was once surrounded by many links to the wider region. Built and ruined in the 13th century, prior to the MacLean family ownership and revival of its stunning architecture, the castle was later ambushed and burned by the Archibald Campbell, Marquis of Argyll, in 1644, during a feud. After the castle was repaired and revived, it faced another attack, this time from Archibald Campbell, Earl of Argyll. It was badly damaged, and in 1690 the ruin was abandoned. The derelict castle was later purchased by Sir Alexander Murray in 1730, and stood untouched until the 19th century when they began restoration. Extensive rebuilding took place, and the castle was converted into a stunning private residence in the late 1990's.