Castle Lachlan and Strathlachlan
Castles, Dwellings and Memorials of Clan MacLachlan
Driving Directions From Oban
The first step is to drive to Inveraray, on Loch Fyne. There are two options.
The shortest route is to take the main road A85, North from Oban and about 30
miles turn off on A819 about 15 miles to Inveraray. Depending on time
available, the longer route is to take A816 (approx 40 miles) south down the
coast to Lochgilphead. This covers Kilmartin with its Standing Stones and Dunadd,
the ancient rock fortress and Capital. From Lochgilphead drive north on A83 about
35 miles along the shore of Loch Fyne to Inveraray.
From Inveraray proceed north on A83 about 10 miles round the top of Loch Fyne, then
turn right south on A815 about 10 miles down the opposite shore of Loch Fyne to Strachur,
the village closest to the Castles. To visit Old Castle Lachlan and Kilmorie Chapel
proceed south four miles on A886 along the shore of Loch Fyne, then turn down a one track
road B8000 to Strathlachlan and Castle Lachlan.
The Old Castle
- Built sometime between the 13th and 15th centuries; setting of the
actual date is under scholarly debate.
- Has a unique design in Scotland. Outward appearance is of a large keep.
Interior actually consists of two large tenements between which is an open
court. Tenements are connected along the north side.
- Outside dimensions: 70' north to south, 54' east to west, 43' to top
of battlements
- Situated on the eastern shore of Loch Fyne near the present day town
of Newton. The castle is four miles from Inverary.
- Fortifications were constructed around the castle for protection.
- Four stories plus cellars and battlements. All floors shown. Great
Hall on second floor is said to have been used as a "council room
and gathering hall on festal occasions".
- Rain water was collected for communal use in the ground floor well
(really a cistern system).
St. Bride's Chapel - Burying Place of
the Clan Chiefs
- The chapel's roof was removed so the building would not be taxed.
- MacLachlan Chiefs are buried in the chapel. Many of the older graves
are covered by stones as ornate as those carved by the Knights Templar.
The New Castle
- Construction started on new castle in the latter half of the
18th century.
- Property is still owned by the MacLachlan Chief.
Castle Ewen - Castle of Clan MacEwen
- Ruins are little more than a pile of rocks above otter ferry.
- Property is privately owned and not easily accessible.
Memorial Cairns Around the World
- Cairn atop Grandfather Mountain in Linville, North Carolina,
was built in TBS.
- Cairn dedicated to the 42nd Regiment of Foot (the Black Watch)
was dedicated on July 5th, 1997, at Fort Ticonderoga in New York. Several
MacLachlans were members of the Black Watch when the regiment fought the
French in 1758 and 1759.
This site is maintained by the Clan
MacLachlan Association of North America, Inc. This page was last updated on
May 11, 2006.
© 1996-2007 Clan MacLachlan Association of North America, Inc.