Argyll

Argyll is in West/central Scotland and is part of the region encompassing the Isles, Loch Lomond, Stirling and the Trossachs. The region has been the focal point of much of Scotland’s dramatic history. Argyll has much to boast about and many interesting facts. It is the birthplace of the Scottish Nation; Dunadd Fort in Kilmartin Glen is where Kenneth MacAlpine, the first King of a unified Scotland, was crowned. It is also the birthplace of the Scots Gaelic language, Earra-Ghaidheal. Scotland’s first National Park, Loch Lomond and The Trossachs is within the Argyll county; a county with a coastline longer than France. Argyll has a landmass greater than Belgium and the richest biodiversity in the U.K. Loch Awe ranks as the longest inland loch at 41km. Then there is the joy of hosting the biggest Highland Games in the world; the Cowal Highland Gathering at Dunoon. Argyll is a gift for travellers.

For visitors to Argyll, the hardest task will be to take it all in! If you time your arrival for the last weekend in August, you can experience the excitement and unique atmosphere of the games. The Cowal Highland Gathering at Dunoon is the largest of its kind in the world. The grand finale of this event is the spectacle of the massed pipes and drums of more than 150 bands marching through the streets of the town. There is nothing to compare to the atmosphere of this.

Another great find to explore is Inveraray Castle, the home of the Duke of Argyll's family, the senior branch of the infamous Clan Campbell. 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. Built of local greenish-blue schist stone, it is a most impressive structure 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. The Duke of Argyll remains the only person in Scotland (and indeed, the United Kingdom) who is allowed to raise a private army.