The remains of the Castle can be visited
RuinKilchoan
Mingary Castle
Mingary Castle is the picturesque ruin of a rock castle, rising approximately 1.5 kilometers southeast of the small village of Kilchoan in the Scottish Highlands. Strategically located on a rock about 7 meters above sea level, it once served to control the entrance to the Sound of Mull and Loch Sunart, thereby securing the sea route to the Isle of Mull. Despite its origins in the 13th or 14th century, the castle's current appearance is primarily shaped by structures from the 16th to 18th centuries.
History+
The first documented mention of the castle occurred in 1493, when King James IV of Scotland stopped here. At that time, Mingary Castle was owned by the MacIan of Ardnamurchan clan. Two years later, the MacIans supported the king in suppressing a rebellion. This led to hostilities with the MacDonalds of Lochalsh, who unsuccessfully besieged the castle in 1515. A renewed siege in 1517 led to partial destruction, but the castle was subsequently repaired. In the late 16th century, Mingary Castle became embroiled in a feud and was besieged in 1588 by Lachlan MacLean with the support of Spanish soldiers, though without success. In the 17th century, the castle changed hands several times between the Campbells and the MacDonalds, until it was captured by Alasdair MacColla for King Charles I in 1644. General David Leslie recaptured it for the Covenanters in 1647. Extensive renovations took place in the early 18th century. During the second Jacobite rising of 1745/46, English troops were stationed in the castle. Around 1770, James Riddell acquired the property, which his descendants owned until 1848. The exact date of its abandonment and gradual decay is unclear, but by 1838, the buildings were likely still habitable.
Location+
The ruin is located in Kilchoan, in the Highland district of Scotland, United Kingdom, at an elevation of approximately 7 m above sea level.
On site+
Today, the ruin of Mingary Castle can be visited, although access is often restricted for safety reasons.
Nearby+
- Duart Castle (castle), approx. 37.1 km away
- Armadale Castle (ruin), approx. 43.8 km away
- Castle Stalker (castle), approx. 44.7 km away
- Dunstaffnage Castle (ruin), approx. 47.6 km away
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Source: Wikipedia · Licence: CC BY-SA 4.0
This description draws on the facts documented in the linked Wikipedia article; Wikipedia content is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Wording and editing: Mobile History.
Location: 56.6927, -6.0801