Introduction by MacCailein Mor XIII Duke of Argyll

Inveraray Castle is first and foremost a family home in which I have had the great privilege of growing up. Its very existence reflects the part played by my family in the rich tapestry of Scottish History. The contents of Inveraray Castle span many generations of the Campbell family and I hope will give you a glimpse of our heritage and the way our ancestors lived. History can often be lost through the years, but here at Inveraray we have, over the decades, chronicled the past in order to share it with future generations.

We have taken great pride in our achievements, yet are conscious of our mistakes; this feeling is reflected in our family motto "Ne Obliviscaris" (Do not forget). We look forward to your visit to Inveraray Castle.

Inveraray Castle is a remarkable and unique piece of architecture incorporating Baroque, Palladian and Gothic.

Featuring four imposing French influenced conical spires surmounting the stone castelated towers, this unmistakably Scottish Castle was the first of its size and type to be built (at the time of construction) in an extremely remote part of Scotland. 

The complicated story of the design and construction of the castle began in 1720 with a sketch prepared by Sir John Vanbrugh, the architect of Blenheim Palace and Castle Howard, for the 2nd Duke of Argyll.

Vanbrugh died six years later and the design was sympathetically developed by Roger Morris who saw the start of construction in 1746 and worked with William Adam, then the most distinguished architect in Scotland. Both Morris and Adam died in 1748 after completion of the designs and it was Adam's sons John and Robert who saw the project to completion for the 5th Duke of Argyll in 1789.   

The Grounds

Some images from the grounds: Some of the many statues in the grounds The garden covers sixteen acres, of which, around two acres are formal lawns and flowerbeds, the remainder being park and woodland. The climate in Argyll, with its yearly average rainfall of 23cms (90 inches), is ideally suited to Rhododendrons and Azaleas, which flower in the gardens from April until June. Conifers also grow well in the poor acidic soil of a high rainfall area, as can be seen by the fine specimens such as Cedrus Deodars, Sequoiadendron Wellingtonia, Cryptomeria Japonica and Taxus Baccata. The borders on each side of the main drive, beyond the lawns, are known as the 'Flag-Borders' - the paths having been laid out in the shape of Scotland's National flag, the St. Andrew's Cross. These borders, outstanding in the spring with beautiful Prunus 'Ukon' and Prunus subhirtella, are underplanted with an interesting mixture of Rhododendrons, Eucrypyias, various shrubs and herbaceous plants, giving interest all year round. Access to the formal gardens is by appointment only.

Events

Inveraray Highland Games
Situated : Winterton Park - Inveraray
Date : 17 July

The Inveraray Highland Games were said to have started in 1563, when Mary Queen of Scots visited her half-sister The Countess of Argyll ......

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