Menu

Mid-Argyll - 60
Kilmartin Castle

Site/Artefact Kilmartin Castle Type Castle Site Number National Grid Reference 1835 East 6991 North Map ( 1:50000) Ordnance Survey Landranger 55 List of Sites and Artefacts Click Here Interactive Map Click Here

Excavation Details

Description
The ruin of a semi-fortified, late 16th c. residence built on a terrace over looking Kilmartin valley. It was probably built by Neil Campbell, Rector of Kilmartin 1574-1627 and later Bishop of Argyll.
Exterior
The building consists of a rectangular block with circular towers at the SW and NE angles . It is of random rubble construction with irregular pinnings, and was originally harled. The gable ends were crowstepped, but the gable end with the kitchen chimney has now collapsed. There are relieving arches above rubble lintels in the entrance doorway and large windows and double lintels above the small windows. Architectural features to look out for include the pistol loops and original iron grille window bars in the tower and, 2m above the entrance, a weathered, framed armorial panel.
Interior
The SW tower contained the main stair with a service stair contained in a semi-circular projection from the hall. The other tower contained a series of small rooms.
The entrance leads into a vaulted passage which links the main stair to the kitchen and cellars which were all vaulted. The first floor contained a hall and private chamber and the second floor may have had a similar arrangement. The hall fireplace is still visible.

Access/Ownership
The castle is privately owned and is not open to the public.

Mid-Argyll Sites and Artefacts

1. Kilmory Oib  2. Druim an Dúin  3. Duntroon  4. Dún Ardifur 1  5. Eilean Rígh 1  6. Dún Chonaillach  7. Loch Awe Crannogs  8. Torran Hoard  9. Dún na Nighinne 10. Kilmartin Parish Church 11. Temple Wood Stone Circles 12. Ogham stone, Poltalloch 13. Barnakil Cross 14. Kilbride Chapel 15. Kilbride Crosses 16. Dunadd Fort 17. In Nomine disk 18. Brooch Moulds 19. Dunadd cross-marked quern 20. Loch Glashan Crannog 21. Glebe Cairn

22. Nether Largie North 23. Nether Largie Mid 24. Nether Largie South 25. Ri Cruin 26. Nether Largie 27. Ballymeanoch - Stones 28. Ballymeanoch - Henge 29. Ballymeanoch - Cairn 30. Dunchragaig 31. Baluachraig 32. Carnassarie Castle 33. BallymeanocH - Barrow 34. Dun Mac Samhainn 35. Glenmoine, Upper Largie 36. Creag a' Mhadaidh 37. Carnassarie - Round Cairn 38. Carnasserie - Standing Stones 39. Carnasserie - Cist 40. Carnasserie Cottage 41. Upper Largie - Cist 42. Upper Largie - Rock Carvings

43. Nether Largie 44. Poltalloch - Cist 45. Poltalloch - cists 46. Bruach an Druimein 47. Dunchraigaig - Dun 48. Poltalloch - Round Cairn 49. Rownfield - Cist 50. Ballymeanoch - Cist 51. Poltalloch - Cists 52. Ballymeanoch - Dun 53. Dunadd - Standing Stones 54. Dunadd - Standing Stone 55. Baile Mor - Dun 56. Anaskeog - Rock Carvings 57. Bariole 58. Rhudil - Round Cairn 1 59. Rhudil - Round Cairn 2 60. Kilmartin Castle 61. Slockavullin 62. Rowanfield - Standing Stone 63. Poltalloch - Cremation

Mayo - Vestvågøy - Mid-Argyll

Travels in Time | Overview | Themes |

Timelines | 700BC to 0 | 0 to 800AD | 800AD to 1100AD |

Landscape | Mayo | Vestvågøy | Mid-Argyll | Archaeology |

Other Media | Education | Exhibition | Publication |

Information | Bibliography | Project | Links | Contact |

This project has been supported by the EU as part of the Culture 2000 programme.