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This is a magnificent castle
which stands guarding the entrance to Loch Sween, although built
in the 12th century there have been some important
additions such as Macmillans’s tower which was added to the
north east corner in the 15th century and of course
the excellent round tower about 100 years later.
This castle is different from
many in that there are no apertures in the walls which are about
7ft thick and 40ft high. There was a sea gate on the west side
but it is now in ruins however the south entrance leads you
through into the courtyard.
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The castle was owned
originally by an Ulster family who were called “Suibne” but
who later changed it to MacSween and at that time they
controlled the whole of the Knapdale peninsula. There are
other reports that the name comes from a Dane named Sueno.
In 1315 Robert the Bruce
sacked the castle but there is little documentation of this
event.
Then Colin Campbell became
the first earl of Argyll the castle reverted to the crown.
In 1647 the castle was captured by the Montrose led by
Alaistair Macolla Coitach or “Coll the left handed” (some
reports say this actually happened in 1644) and some of the
castle was ruined at that time.
Currently the castle is in
the hands of Historic Scotland. |
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The castle is
only a couple of miles from the very well preserved
Kilmory Knap Chapel. You
should make the time to visit the chapel and perhaps the
beautiful beach beside it.
The
nearest villages are Tayvallich
and Crinan
Castle
Sween, Loch Sween, Knapdale, Tayvallich, Argyll,
Scotland
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Please
use this map to orientate yourself to the general area
and vicinity of the castle.
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