Carnasserie Castle: A Peaceful Ruin in Argyll’s Highlands

Most of our Scottish castle visits involved navigating through crowds, guided tours, and the ever-present hum of camera shutters. But Carnasserie Castle offered something entirely different, a welcome silence. No tourist buses, no voices echoing through stone halls; just us, the wind, and centuries of quiet history.

The Story Behind the Stone

Carnasserie Castle was built in the mid-1500s by John Carswell, a reformer and the first Protestant Bishop of the Isles. Constructed for the powerful Earl of Argyll, the castle blended Renaissance design with medieval fortification, reflecting its builder’s influence and the noble ties that made it possible. Parts of the structure even incorporate elements of earlier buildings on the site, adding to its layered history.

Though it never featured in the Wars of Scottish Independence, Carnasserie Castle became caught in the political turmoil of later centuries. During the Argyll uprising of 1685 (an early Jacobite resistance), led by Archibald Campbell, 9th Earl of Argyll, the castle was attacked and left in ruins. The rebellion failed, and Carnasserie was never rebuilt; its empty shell now standing as a testament to the cost of resistance and the shifting tides of Scottish power.

A Private Audience with History

What set Carnasserie Castle apart was not just the lack of tourists, but the intimate sense of stillness that surrounded it. With rolling green hills stretching toward the horizon and the soft rustle of the wind threading through nearby trees, it felt as though time itself had paused. The castle stands proudly above the glen, with sweeping views across Kilmartin Glen’s ancient landscape; home to standing stones, burial cairns, and echoes of Scotland’s deep past.

Wandering its empty towers and rooms, we felt completely alone with history. There were no footfalls but our own, no noise but the breeze whispering through narrow windows. Perched atop the stone walls, we shared a quiet kiss; just the two of us, wrapped in centuries of silence and sky. It was one of those rare, cinematic moments that felt plucked from a dream - an experience no guided tour or crowded ruin could ever replicate. In that stillness, surrounded by stone and story, we felt like part of something eternal.

The Final Stop on a Magical Journey

This was one of the last stops on our Scottish adventure, and it left a strong impression. Louise Connolly, thank you for sharing your homeland. This quiet castle, so rich in history and solitude, captured the very essence of what makes Scotland unforgettable. Though we now return to Sydney, I know we’ll be back.

Tickets & Information

☎️ N/A - Carnasserie Castle is free to visit.
🌍 Visit website
📧 ticketing@hes.scot
📍 5G29+HM6 Lochgilphead, United Kingdom

Photo Gallery

Note: This page is a personal travel blog post about my visit to Carnasserie Castle. I do not sell tours or offer services related to the castle. For official information, please visit the links above.