Kilmartin Castle

Kilmartin Castle, Argyll and Bute
Photo © Patrick Mackie, 1 April 2006

Kilmartin (Scottish Gaelic: Cille Mhàrtainn) is a small village in Argyll and Bute, western Scotland. It is best known as the centre of Kilmartin Glen, an area with one of the richest concentrations of prehistoric monuments and historical sites in Scotland.

Kilmartin Castle

Kilmartin Castle, a small 'Z-plan' tower house, dating from about 1580, stands above the village. Kilmartin was a property of the Campbells, many of whom are buried in the churchyard. John Carswell, Rector of Kilmartin and later titular Bishop of the Isles, lived here before moving to his new residence at Carnasserie Castle. The castle comprises an oblong, three-storey main block, with round towers to the north-east and south-west corners, as well as a small stair tower in the west front. Formerly ruined, it has been restored as a private house in recent years. Shot holes and iron yetts over the windows have been retained.

KILMARTIN CASTLE, Argyllshire.

This is more of a mansion (or manse) than a castle, having been built by the rector of the parish of Kilmartin for his own occupation. It stands on the south side of the Skeodnish glen, which leads from Ardnshaig to Loch Awe, and is about ten miles from the former and four from the latter. Probably this was the first residence of the rector Carsewell, who, after his appointment to the bishopric of the Isles about 1566, found the residence too mean for his dignity, and therefore erected the much more splendid castle of Carnassery on the opposite side of the glen. The plan and design are undoubtedly of the latter half of the sixteenth century, the plan being a Z, slightly modified by the introduction of a small staircase turret, not in the usual place next the angle tower, but on the same side as the entrance door. Otherwise the arrangements are the ordinary ones, comprising the kitchen and cellars on the basement, all vaulted and entering from a passage, which also leads to the principal staircase in the south-west angle tower. The first floor contains a hall 26 feet by 17 feet, with a built safe closet in one angle, and a private room adjoining with a bed-closet in the angle tower. The upper floor contained similar accommodation. The object of placing the small stair where it is becomes apparent in connection with the upper floors, as it is suitably situated to provide access to two of the three rooms on the top floor, and also to form a private communication from the kitchen to the hall and private room on the first floor. The exterior is very simple in design, and entirely free from turrets, shot-holes, and other defensive features.

THE CASTELLATED AND DOMESTIC ARCHITECTURE OF SCOTLAND BY DAVID MACGIBBON AND THOMAS ROSS, 1889