| History & Overview: "Inveraray Castle promises a gentle Reception and its
interior cherishes every Hope". So wrote a visitor in 1789 as the present Castle
building reached its completion. When in 1743
Archibald, Earl of Islay, succeeded to the title of 3rd Duke of Argyll he initiated one of
the most imaginative rebuilding projects ever undertaken in the Highlands.
The
old 15th century fortified tower house was replaced by the present Castle and the Royal
Burgh of Inveraray was re-established nearly half a mile to the south.
The
new Castle was designed by the London architect Roger Morris and the supervising architect
was William Adam and later his son John. It is thought that the design may have been
inspired by Sir John Vanburgh who was the architect for Blenheim Palace and Castle Howard
for, like them, Inveraray Castle included a large central tower which was lit from upper
large windows. Built of local greenish-blue schist stone, it is a most impressive edifice
complementing the grandeur of the surrounding scenery. The magnificent interiors were
completed between 1770 and 1789 to the design of Robert Mylne for the 5th Duke of Argyll. |
