Inveraray Castle in Scotland

From a distance, Inveraray castle appears to be a Gothic and Baroque style structure, which is most certainly is. However, before this castle ever stood still in western Scotland, the original city of Inveraray was torn down as a result of Archibald Campbell, 3rd Duke of Argyll. His ideal of his perfectly constructed abode did not include a rustic and aging town that impeded on the structure itself.

The castle was constructed in a square like fashion with four castellated towers at each corner, each of which bears a conical spire.

The gardens occupy two acres and the rest of the grounds is parkland and forests. Unfortunately, the castle suffered some loses due to two fires in the 18th and 19th century; however most of the decor and furnishings have been restored since the fires.



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The elaborate paintings in the castle's State Dining Room were completed in 1784 by two French painters Girard and Guinard, who were also commissioned by the then Prince of Wales to decorate his London residence, Carlton House. The work of these painters only survives at Inverary, so make sure you take some extra time to admire the brilliance of the atmosphere that these paintings create.

Developed in keeping with Vanbrugh's original sketch dated 1720 and using a similar concept which he used at Castle Howard & Blenheim Palace, the dramatic Armoury Hall soars to 21 metres in height, the highest ceiling in Scotland.



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Inveraray Castle is home to Torquhil Campbell, 13th Duke of Argyll and his family, but they have graciously opened up the castle to visitors at certain times of the year.

If you'd like to learn more about Inverary, visit their website. There is so much history to be learned and so much to see.