Castle Stalker Appin

Of all the castles in Scotland, Castle Stalker is one of my personal favourites. Located on its own island called The Rock of the Cormorants, just off the coast of the Firth of Linnhe and five miles from Oban, Appin, the castle dates back to the fifteenth century, when it was built by Sir John Stewart. Since then, it has been the setting to a constant battle between the Stewarts and the Campbells for ownership; right up until our own times, when in 1908 it was purchased from the Campbells by Charles Stewart. Even now, it is owned by the widow and children of Lt. Col. Stewart Allward, who purchased Castle Stalker from the widow of Charles’ successor, Duncan Stewart.

These days, Castle Stalker is a much more peaceful place to be, despite its war torn past. Today there are no cannon balls flying, though with its harsh and seemingly impenetrable walls it’s not hard to imagine. And this is certainly a castle to inspire the imagination, being a setting for Robert Louis Stevenson’s "Kidnapped", children’s writer Susan Cook’s "The Bogart" and everyone’s favourite, Monty Python’s "Monty Python and the Holy Grail".

The actual name Castle Stalker comes from the Gaelic name Stalcaire, meaning Hunter or Falconer, as it was once granted as the gift of a hunting lodge by James VI to his friend, Duncan Stewart. Although tours of the actual castle are only available in July and August by appointment, at a price of £6 per adult and £3 per child, there is an excellent visitor’s centre. This lovely building includes a gift shop, as well as an outstanding café with a gorgeous view of the castle. Even for a tourist with no interest in castles, the café is well worth the stop. For anyone visiting Scotland, this is a journey not to be missed.

Opening Times
2005 Opening Times:

6th June - 10th June inclusive
13th June - 17th June inclusive
22nd August - 26th August inclusive
29th August - 2nd September inclusive
5th September - 9th September inclusive

Admission
£6 per adult and £3 per child

With thanks to: Sarah Green

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