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Barcaldine Castle, also known as the Black Castle, is a Category A listedStructure of particular architectural and/or historic interest deserving of special protection. early 17th-century tower houseCharacteristic style of Scottish castle building in the form of a tall tower, surrounded by one or more wings in L or Z-shaped floor plans in its later development. a few miles north of Oban, in Argyll and Bute, on the west coast of Scotland. It was built by Sir Duncan Campbell, 7th laird of Glenorchy, between 1601 and 1609, some minor alterations were carried out during the early 18th century, but by the second half of the 19th century the castle was derelict and roofless.[1][2]
The estate was sold in 1842 on the death of Sir Duncan Campbell, 1st Baronet, but was repurchased by the 3rd Baronet in 1896,[2] who restored the castle between 1897 and 1911. It is now operated as a hotel.[1][3]
The chief of a branch of Clan Donald, Maclan of Glencoe, was required to pledge his allegiance to King William at Balcardine Castle; his delayed arrival led to the Glencoe Massacre.[3]
Architecture
The castle is laid out on an L-shaped plan, and consists of a vaulted ground storey with two unvaulted upper storeys and a rebuilt garret. The main block measures 14.5 by 8.9 metres (47.6 by 29.2 ft), with walls from 1.4 to 1.9 metres (4.6 to 6.2 ft) thick. Angle turrets on the northwest, southwest and southeast corners have modern conical roofs. The now harled and white-washed exterior masonry was once pierced by peep holes, pistol holes and gun loops, many of which are now blocked externally.[1]
Hauntings
Like many old buildings, Balcardine Castle has stories of hauntings. The resident ghostSpirit of a dead person returned to visit the living, the common conception of a ghost. is said to be the spirit of Duncan Campbell, who was killed during the Massacre of Glencoe by his sworn enemy, Stewart of Appin.[4]