Isle of Arran

Take a trip out west to "Scotland in miniature", an island haven teeming with history, beauty and serenity

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Fantastic Fortresses

Ruined or restored, the three captivating castles of Arran each have a tale to tell

IN almost every corner of the village of Lochranza, located in the north of Arran, the dramatic silhouette of Lochranza Castle looms in the background.

Situated on a narrow peninsula jutting out into Loch Ranza, the striking ruin is even known as the inspiration for one of much-loved fictional character Tintin's adventures, The Black Island.

Cared for by Historic Environment Scotland, Lochranza Castle was previously thought to be a tower house built in the 1500s. However, more detailed analysis in the 1950s revealed that it was originally constructed as a hall house as far back as the 1300s. Hall houses were traditionally long, rectangular buildings divided into a basement level and an upper floor. In the case of Lochranza Castle, the multiple levels within the structure were vital to its security-conscious inhabitants.

The main entrance was located high up in the building's east wall, believed to have been accessed via a ladder. Today the original entrance, located above head height, is marked with a plaque.

Meanwhile, the original ground floor entrance was protected by a trapdoor known as a "murder hole", through which intruders could be attacked.

The hall house was constructed for the MacSween family, later known as Clan Sweeney. Robert the Bruce is said to have visited Lochranza Castle in 1306, en route to making his successful bid for the Scottish Crown. The castle would later come into the ownership of his grandson, King Robert II of Scotland, and by the end of the 1300s it was used as a royal hunting lodge.