Barcaldine Castle
Benderloch
Near Oban
Argyll
West Coast Scotland

Above; The view from the castle.
Right; The castle from the garden.
Below right; The main stone spiral stairs or Great Trumbel.

Barcaldine Castle was built by Black Duncan, Sir Duncan Campbell, 7th Knight of Glenorchy, in 1609 - a time when the West Coast of Scotland was in turmoil. He needed a defensive house which commanded good views of his surrounding land, and not only that, but bartizans (the towers on the corners), gun loops, shot holes, secret stairs, a dungeon and 9 foot thick walls.

By the 1800s Scotland had become more peaceful and the castle had fallen into disuse until 1897 when it was restored to become a home again. Today (after further sensitive refurbishment) Sir Roderick and Lady Campbell, descendants of Sir Duncan, offer the castle to bed and breakfast guests.

Children love it here and families are welcome, as are couples who would like to get married at the castle. Barcaldine Castle is a memorable wedding venue. It is advisable to book at least by March or April for bed and breakfast in the summer. You can even stay for just one night in the summer - but staying for a few days is very popular, especially as there is so much to see and do in the surrounding area.

By the way, don't worry, there is an iron grill over the dungeon entrance, which is on the way to the vaulted breakfast room, so you are unlikely to fall in by mistake.

Below left and right;
Two views of the Laird's Parlour - a sitting room with an open fire. Complimentary sherry and chocolates. Also (as well as the TV) there are videos of local Scottish interest to watch. Kidnapped and The Massacre of Glencoe - what really happened. Great atmosphere!

Left and right;
Barcaldine Room. A canopied double bed (5' kingsize) and bathroom en suite.

Left and right;
Breadalbane Room. King size (5ft) 4 poster bed plus single bed and private shower-room a couple of steps away. NB; the single bed is only 5'5" but is 3' wide. All the beds have good quality modern mattresses. For a cot/crib - please ask.

An Aga-cooked Scottish Breakfast is served in the vaulted Dining Room on the ground floor (just past the dungeon).

A delicious fresh fruit salad. Muesli and various cereals, yoghurts and fruit juice. Toast made from good bread. Tea and fresh ground coffee. Real meat butcher's sausages, grilled bacon, Macleods of Stornaway black pudding, eggs, hash brownies, mushrooms, tomatoes. All ingredients are top quality and where possible locally produced. Vegetarian sausages are available and special dietary provisions are happily catered for with advance notice.

Breakfast is served between 8.30am and 9.00am; but do ask if you would like a different arrangement (eg; early in time to catch the boat to Mull) a Continental breakfast delivered to your room the night before.

Supper during Winter months:

During the winter months and by special arrangement Caroline
can offer a simple tray supper by the fire in the Laird's Parlour for
guests preferring not to venture out.

£55 to £65 per person per night based on two people sharing, and including breakfast.
£120 for single occupancy.

Children are very welcome to stay at the Castle but when a family stays it is usually required that both the rooms are taken.

No smoking please.

A wedding at the Castle? Please ask.

Please contact:
Caroline Campbell
email: enquiries@barcaldinecastle.co.uk
Barcaldine Castle
Benderloch
Near Oban
Argyll PA37 1SA
Scotland, UK
Tel: 01631 720598
or from outside the UK:
Tel: 44 1631 720598

Please tell Roderick and Caroline you found Barcaldine Castle through About Scotland!