Welcome! Kilchurn castle, on the shores of Loch-Awe must be one of the most photographed castles in Scotland. Thousands of visitors look around the ruin each year, but few know the history of the Campbells of Glenorchy or the legend of Sir Colin Campbell of Glenurchy (Glenorchy), whose lady is said to have built the original tower during the 1450’s. The facts I have presented on this website have been obtained from various sources and are reasonably accurate. I first took an interest in the history of Kilchurn while I was employed there during the early part of the restoration. I spoke to many people from all over the world, who had trekked across the boggy fields to see the ruin and I found that they were keen to know all about the castle and its inhabitants over the years. It has been my ambition since then to put together what information I have, and publish it as a guide for those who are interested in Kilchurn. The Campbells of Glenorchy The Campbells of Glenorchy became landowners in Breadalbane during the early part of the 15th century. Sir Duncan Campbell of Lochaw, was given the title Lord Campbell in 1445. Sir Duncan married a Marjory Stewart, daughter of the Duke of Albany. They had a son called Archibald. After his first wife’s death, Sir Duncan married again into the Royal Stewart family, and had another son in 1406 named Colin Campbell, who was to become the ancestor of the Campbells of Glenorchy. There are not many details of Colin’s early life, but his name has been linked with many tales of travel and adventure in far off lands. He seems to have had a natural flare for soldiering, and many people sought his aid during difficult times, both home and abroad. It is said that he visited Rome three times and was made a Knight Templar. To the following generations he was known as Cailan Dubh na Roimhe (Black Colin of Rome). Sir Duncan Campbell granted him the lands of Glenorchy on the 20th October 1432 and with the lands, the title, Sir Colin Campbell of Glenurchy (Glenorchy). Sir Colin may have been married five times. His first three wives were named Mariot Stewart, Janet Borthwick and Janet Stewart. Details of dates etc. are somewhat confusing as strict records were not kept in those days. His last two wives were both called Margaret. Margaret Robertson of Strowan and Margaret Stirling of Kier (who is said to have outlived him). It is difficult to tell which of the Margarets the legend of Kilchurn (Caol-chuirn) is based on, but as the castle is said to have been built around 1452, we will assume that it is Margaret Robertson. As with any tale passed down through the generations, facts tend to become confused, but we will not worry too much about that, as it is the romance and adventure generated by the story that fascinates most people.	Kilchurn Castle, Argyll, Scotland   The Tartan of the bredalbane Campbells