Castle Campbell

Wednesday I visited Castle Campbell for the first time, and I think I may have a new favorite property in Scotland. It is beautifully situated above the village of Dollar, about 25 mins northeast of Stirling. With streams on both sides, the highlands at its back and just stunning views over what seems like most of Scotland to the south, this is one of the prettiest castles, indeed buildings I've ever seen. Add the intoxicating fragrance of roses and various other flowers and it is the ideal place for a picnic.

The castle was originally named Castle Gloom, possibly from a Gaelic word meaning chasm, referring to the streams on both sides. As with pretty much all castles in Scotland, there's a long and winding history of construction and ownership, but probably the keep was the earliest stone building on the site and was built around 1430. The castle came under Campbell control in 1465 and changed name in 1488. Castle Campbell was more or less abandoned in the early 1660s and is today a jewel in the crown that is Historic Scotland.

All pics here.

The south wall. I had lunch on one of the benches at the bottom.


This was my view as I was stuffing face. Not bad, eh?


There were flowers everywhere and the smell of them was almost intoxicating.


The great hall. Fireplace to the right.


The views from the keep were stunning.


To the north.


To the west.


One of several latrines.


A great big tree outside the main entrance.