Lochranza Castle, Scotland

Lochranza Castle is an L-plan tower house on the North of the Isle of Arran.

The original building dates to the 13th century when it was owned by the MacSweens. But most of the present castle was built in the sixteenth century.

In 1262, King Alexander III granted the castle and its lands to Walter Stewart, the Earl of Menteith. It is believed that Robert the Bruce landed at Lochranza in 1306 having returned from Ireland to claim the Scottish throne. By 1371, the castle has become the property of Robert II. It is thought that at this time it was used as a royal hunting lodge.

The castle has seen many varied uses over time. During the 1490s, James IV used the castle in his campaign against the Lord of the Isles and his Clan MacDonald. In 1614 it was occupied by James VI and in the 1650s it was used by Cromwell.

By 1705, Lochranza Castle had become the property of the Hamilton family, when it was purchased by the Duchess of Hamilton. The Hamilton family had owned other estates on the Isle of Arran. During the eighteenth century, the castle fell into disuse and disrepair and was abandoned.

The mountains to the south of the castle are home to many birds. The castle offers a good vantage point for watching seals.

Opening Times

The property is open in the summer only.

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Disabled Facilities

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