Castle Stalker

Located on an islet in Loch Laich in the western coast of Scotland, Castle Stalker is a four-story tower house or keep that showcases the country’s rich history and architectural heritage. The castle, which is visible from the A828 road, was built in the 1440s and has served as a residence for several powerful clans throughout the centuries, including the MacDougalls, Stewarts, and Campbells. Despite its tumultuous past, Castle Stalker remains one of the best-preserved medieval tower houses in Scotland and is now a popular tourist destination for history buffs and architecture enthusiasts alike.

The original castle was a small fort built around 1320 by the Clan MacDougall, who were then the Lords of Lorn. In 1388, the Stewarts took over the Lordship of Lorn and are believed to have built the castle in its current form around the 1440s. In 1620, King James IV of Scotland visited the castle, and a drunken bet resulted in it passing to the Clan Campbell. The Campbells eventually abandoned the castle in 1840 when it lost its roof. In 1908, it was bought by Charles Stewart of Achara, who carried out basic conservation work, and in 1965, it was fully restored by Lt. Col. D. R. Stewart Allward. Today, Castle Stalker remains in private ownership and is open to the public at selected times during the summer.

Castle Stalker is a prime example of Scottish medieval architecture, featuring four stories with a steep-pitched roof, round towers at the corners, and a large hall on the first floor. The castle’s design is practical and efficient, with its walls and towers providing protection from invaders and its spacious hall serving as a central gathering place for the castle’s residents. The castle also features a spiral staircase that leads to the upper floors and a drawbridge that provides access to the islet during low tide.