Kinlochaline Castle stands at the head of Loch Aline overlooking the Sound of Mull. It was built in the 15th century as a square turreted tower. The walls were approximately 10ft thick and had the capacity for a defence using boiling oil. It was owned by the Clan MacInnes, the hereditary bowmen of the Lord of the Isles, but was burnt down during the campaigns of the 1st Marquis of Huntly in the 17th century. It was later substantially remodeled in the late 19th century but fell into ruin until it was renovated in the late 20th century as a private home.

~ History ~

1358 ~ The cheif of Clan MacInnes and his sons are killed at Ardtornish Castle by members of the Clan MacLean on the orders of the Lord of the Isles for meddling in his mariage. Most of the MacInnes lands are subsequently ceded to Clan MacLean of Duart Castle..

1644 ~ The castle is briefly occupied by Montrose’s Irish Colonel “Colkitto” and his troops following a siege, who then later burns the castle when they leave and it is subsequently sacked by Cromwell’s forces.

1679 ~ This strategically important castle is attacked by Archibald Campbell,  9th Duke of Argyll.

1690 ~ The castle is fianlly abandoned.

1730 ~ The castle and adjoining farm were purchased by Sir Alexander Murray of Stanhope in order to provide a base for the operations of his company to which he had sub-let mining rights in Morvern. Repairs to the castle are planned but not executed because it was too uncomfortable to live in.