|
|
CASTLE CAMPBELL Castle Campbell is located in that most strategic territory where the Scottish Highlands become the Scottish Lowlands, close to the sea and the Scottish capital, Edinburgh. This region has been of critical military importance during the long years of struggle for Scottish independence from England. The current castle was rebuilt starting in the late 14th or early 15th century on the site of an early motte and bailey fortress. No wonderthe site is ideal for defense, a mound protected by steep hills on three sides with access only from the south via the deep gorges carved by two rushing streams, the Burn of Care and the Burn of Sorrow. The castle, originally called Castle Gloom but renamed Castle Campbell in 1489, overlooks the village of Dollar and the broad Lowlands south to the Firth of Forth and Edinburgh. These sweeping views are dramatic from the castles colorful gardens, and even more dramatic from its tower.
Castle Campbell has a rich and varied history. Originally Stewart (the royal family of Scotland) land, the Dollar Glen became the property of the Campbells of Inverary. The castle was the seat of Campbell power in the Scottish Lowlands as the home of the Dukes of Argyll. Campbell Castle became involved in the struggles of the Scottish Reformationboth John Knox, founder of Presbyterianism, and the devout Catholic Mary Queen of Scots overnighted at the castlein the 16th century and the English Civil War in the 17th century. Following the Civil War the English army occupied the castle briefly, until it was attacked and burned by Cromwellian supporters of the owner and made derelict in 1654. It has been only partially restored in the last 350 years. Today, Castle Campbell remains large enough to be full of interesting roomsthe 15th century tower has 4 floors worth exploringbut small enough to be thoroughly visited in one hour. As popular with visitors as the castle itself are the walks in its gardens and along the cascading streams in the two forested gorges below the castle. Castle Campbell within easy day-trip range of Home At Firsts cottages in Central Scotland (60-90 minutes to the northwest), or to Home At Firsts apartments in Edinburgh (45 minutes southeast).
The castle is just north of the village of Dollar, which is 12 miles east of Stirling (see Stirling Castle!) on the A91. Watch carefully as you enter Dollar for the little road that leads to the castlethe Castle Campbell signs are easy to miss.
CROSSING A GORGE IN
DOLLAR GLEN OPENING TIMES: It is open daily April through September from
9:30AM-6:30PM. From October through March the castle is open Saturday through Wednesday
9:30AM-4:30PM. VISIT OUR
|