Castle Toward, Argyll and Bute, United Kingdom

Castle Toward was built in 1820 to replace a late medieval castle, which was home of the Clan Lamont. In the Second World War it served as HMS Brontosaurus, and after the war it was sold to Glasgow Corporation. It was used as an outdoor education facility until closure in 2009.

The original Toward Castle dates from the 15th century, and was owned by the Clan Lamont until 1809. The castle was extended in the 17th century, but was abandoned after an attack by the Clan Campbell in 1646. The ruins lie around 500 metres south-east of the later building.

The present Castle Toward was built in 1820 by Kirkman Finlay, former Lord Provost of Glasgow, as his family's country house. Finlay purchased the Achavoulin estate and renamed in Toward in 1818. It is built in the castellated Gothic Revival style, and designed by David Hamilton. Edward La Trobe Bateman was involved in garden design work here in the 1880s.

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Castles and fortifications in United Kingdom

User Reviews

Ryan Wilkinson (2 years ago)
Nice easy stroll to the ruins from the main road and if you're feeling more energetic you can head to the Chinese lakes at the top of the hill. Very peaceful and dog friendly.

TheManonthemoon444 (3 years ago)
Nice. Worth a visit.

Richard Bannister (3 years ago)
Not really worth the drive from Dunoon. Some nice views and some picnic benches but the tiny castle itself is closed.

Pedro Maurício (4 years ago)
Pretty underwhelming, considering you can't go inside

xGxqrge (4 years ago)
Good to see a nice piece of history

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