| Tarbert Castle | |
|---|---|
| Tarbert,Kintyre, Scotland | |
 Tarbert Castle | |
| Site information | |
| Open to the public | Yes |
| Condition | Ruin |
| Location | |
  Tarbert Castle | |
| Coordinates | 55°51′49″N5°24′31″W / 55.863611°N 5.408611°W /55.863611; -5.408611 |
Tarbert Castle is located on the southern shore of East Loch Tarbert, atTarbert,Argyll,Scotland, at the north end ofKintyre. Tarbert Castle was a strategic royal stronghold during the Middle Ages and one of three castles at Tarbert. The castle overlooks the harbour and although pre 14th century in construction, the tower dates back to 1494 and the visit ofJames IV to the WesternHighlands.
In 712, Tarbert was burned by KingSelbach mac Ferchair ofCenél Loairn and ofDál Riata and in 731 by his son,Dúngal mac Selbaig.[1]
King Edward II ofEngland handed control of the castle to the Scottish KingJohn II de Balliol in 1292. A fortified structure was built in Tarbert during the 13th century. It was reinforced with the addition of an outerbailey and towers in the 1320s byRobert the Bruce. A tower house was added in the 16th century, which is the most noticeable part of the remains. The castle occupies high land above the village, providing views upLoch Fyne and beyond to theFirth of Clyde. This castle was captured fromJohn MacDonald of Islay, Lord of the Isles byJames IV of Scotland as part of his campaign to destroy the power of theLords of the Isles in 1494. In 1687 the castle was involved in another skirmish whenWalter Campbell ofSkipness Castle seized it as a stronghold forArchibald Campbell, 9th Earl of Argyll as part of actions in support of theMonmouth Rebellion inEngland.
There are only a couple of standing walls left. The castle has a commanding view of the water approaches.
Now owned by the community and part of a volunteer-maintained heritage park.[citation needed]
55°51′49″N5°24′31″W / 55.86361°N 5.40861°W /55.86361; -5.40861
