The ruins of the Finlarig Castle stand on a prominence to the east of a larger mound called Dunlochay, the site of a prehistoric fort. The name is Gaelic for 'White Pass'.

The 'Z'-plan Tower is built on a strategic site between the River Lochay and Loch Tay. Today it is hidden away surrounded by trees.

Legend has it that a pit there was where nobles were executed by beheading while commoners were hanged on a nearby oak tree. Expert opinion however suggests that the pit was actually a water cister, but that doesn't make quite such an interesting tale!

Exploring the castle grounds you will find a large elaborate Tudor-style chapel erected in 1829 on the site of an earlier 16th century chapel and burial place founded by Sir Colin Campbell, an ancestor of the Earls of Breadalbane. Exploring this you are left with the feeling how sad such a magnificent chapel containing the final resting place of such an important family be left in such a ruinous state.

Access is very easy as there is a large car park next to the castle, albeit the castle does not reveal itself until you have already taken a short walk into the woods and start to climb its tree covered mound.

Plenty to explore set in a beautiful wood lined setting.

Make sure you don't miss out on exploring the nearby picturesque town of Killin which in itself is well worth a visit.

~ History ~

1629 ~ Finlarig Castle is built by Black Duncan Campbell, Laird of Glenorchy and royal favourite to King James VI. These lands near Killin being originally held by the Menzies family but now, like many other Clan estates, Campbell lands.

1650 ~ Scotland's ruling body known as the Committee of Estates, declare their support for the Stewart King Charles II. This provokes the Parliamentary forces under Oliver Cromwell to invade Scotland.

The Parliamentarian's win a decisive victory over the Royalists at the Battle of Dunbar. This leaves Scotland open for Cromwell's troops to overrun much of the country. Many of the Committee of Estates ruling elite are captured. The Royalists suffer a further defeat at the Battle of Worcester.

1651 ~ The remaining member of the Committee of Estates flee to to the Isle of Bute and agree to meet at Finlarig Castle to plan their next moves against Cromwell. With the Royalist cause lost, few attend.

1713 ~ Rob Roy MacGregor visits Finlarig Castle.