Inveraray

Scotland > West of Scotland > Argyll > Inveraray

On first seeing the whitewashed 18th century buildings of Inveraray, (on the A83, 25 miles north east of Lochgilphead) standing out from the sparkling waters of Loch Fyne, you could be forgiven if you thought you were in another country other than Scotland.

The old town was destroyed by fire in 1644 by Montrose in his attack on Campbell country during the Civil War. The Duke of Argyll, who has his seat at nearby Inveraray Castle decided to have the village re-built in the current style of 1743.

He commissioned the leading architect of the day, William Adam to lay plans and work began in 1743. William Adam died soon afterwards and his son John Adams carried the work on to near completion.

The result is jewel in the crown of Scottish architecture. The old castle was dated around 1520 but like the town was almost completely re-buit in the 18th century.

Today both town and castle are popular as a holiday stop. With good hotels, bars etc in and around the town, the castle is open to the public.