Description:

This imposing fortress is one of Scotland’s lesser-known castles. Due to its strategic importance, it was transformed into a formidable stronghold by Sir James Hamilton of Finnart, known as ‘The Bastard of Arran.’ It served as a State Prison from the Covenanting era, with Cardinal Beaton held there in 1543, and suffered heavy damage at the hands of Cromwell’s forces in the mid-17th century. The castle remained garrisoned until 1870 and later functioned as an ammunition depot until 1912, when it was finally restored.