These spectacular Italianate buildings (splendid both inside and out) were finished in 1886 and the…read morebeautiful Victoria Tower (75m in height) can be seen dominating the skyline from many parts of the town. Unfortunately, the Municipal Buildings remain uncompleted to this day as a local man, Robert Cowan, refused to sell his business in front of the tower. As a result, the shop was inserted into one corner but was destroyed during a bombing raid in 1941, leaving the unusual effect still seen today. The bricks are different to the rest and this area has become known as 'Cowan's Corner'. These days the Municipal Buildings include the Town Hall and various Council offices. There are a few parking spaces nearby but it's very difficult to find a space. However, there is a large public car park only about 5 minutes walk away.

So not one for a rainy day, so we decided to go yep on a rainy day, however, it did have its…read moreupsides. Once again we traveled on the long and winding single track road to get here but the castle which is now a b&b (we didn't go inside) has a lot more too it that you think. We had a little trip to see the standing stones, about a 1 mile walk through fields and uneven paths take you to this very old stones, however we didn't get too close as they were being guarded by the highland cows, we then headed up to the castle it's self which stood high up overlooking the land with some stunning views. Once we had done the castle we headed over to the coffee shop and gift shop, we were recommended the soup to which we had and now I must say it was one of the BEST tasting soups I have ever had and the chocolate based dessert was delicious too, well worth a trip especially if it's raining. There is a selection of local produce to buy as well as some gift based items as well. Defo worth a visit for the whole family but best done on a sunny day.

Booked the castle for a March 2020 visit, however COVID closed down UK, so we could not visit. Had…read moreto cancel the visit, but got an email that said "I confirm I have cancelled your reservation, we are offering to carry deposits forward to a booking in the future." Tried to book a stay using my deposit, but got "I am afraid I cannot carry forward your deposit as too long has lapsed now." Well, guess I will not be visiting. Seems shortsighted to not credit me for money I spent, since I would have spent a good deal more, but I guess business is good so no need to honor what you say.

I agree with the previous reviewer wholeheartedly. Ross Priory is one of the most overlooked…read morebuildings in Scotland. It is absolutely incredible. A must for visitors to Glasgow. Even the drink prices at the bar are reasonable. The only problem is, the priory is not anywhere near a train station. So you bring your car or get a train to Balloch then a taxi.

Ross Priory, on the bonny bonny banks of Loch Lomond, is one of the loveliest building I have ever…read moreseen. My brother got married here on a scorching day a few years ago and it was just stunning. Designed in 1812 by Dunblane-born architect James Gillespie Graham, the priory, despite the name, was never a home for monks. It was bought by Strathclyde University in 1971.

I've been here quite a few times throughout the years of visiting Oban. Honestly there's not much…read moreto it but a nice place to see. Something you should at least do once whenever you're in Oban. You could actually walk up, a little trek but nice. It's not far from the harbor. The walk takes you through the cute little neighborhood before reaching the top. Or, you could drive. Whatever is easiest. Once your you're reach it, there's a small parking lot with some home surrounding. It's a small amphitheater that has one of the best views of the harbor. I'm not quite sure if any events are held here like weddings and sort. But checking it out and seeing what's it's all about is quite nice. The large lookout is quite cool for pictures. There's a grassy knoll inside with a path and some benches. But if you walk through some of archway, you have the million dollar view of the town, harbor and island. We didn't spend much time as it was freezing and the wind sure didn't help....lol... They do have lights that shine out to enhance the tower which is quite nice. A nice stroll or a little break is always nice and to have a view like that, it's beautiful. Just taking the scenery in was spectacular. You don't need to spend a lot of time here but it's worth checking out. The views alone, totally worth it.

Worth the visit for the stunning views of Oban Bay! You can…read morewalk up from town or drive up the narrow roads where there is a parking lot just below McCaigs Tower with steps leading up. Built in 1897 by John Stuart McCaig, it immediately resembles the Roman Coliseum to most as it can also be seen when you look up from the town. It has a beautiful garden space in the center that is well maintained.

This was actually a a pretty cool spot. Didn't even know about it till we were walking along the…read morewaterfront. One of the millions of castle in Scotland. It's on the hillside above the waterfront. The path to it was along some residential stairways. Once you walk uk to the top, your along the grassy knoll that leads you to more wooden stairs. It's like the entrance to the castle...lol... It's a pretty serene property with its green grass and the castle with the Scottish flag flying high above. Of course it's an old ruins but still pretty spectacular to look at. Now it's mainly habitable by pigeons nesting. But still beautiful and picturesque. There's a picnic area down the bottom of the property as well as million dollar views surrounding you. The view of the hillside and waterfront is one not to miss. Nice little stop for a break to check out the history if you happen to stop by.

A surprising hidden gem (for me at least!) as I didn't even know there was a castle in Tarbert. We…read morewere visiting for the afternoon and took a walk down the main street (it didn't take long!). At the end we discovered a sign directing us the castle, so we walked up some steep and slippery steps. At the top we discovered some ruins but I wasn't expecting anything more than rubble. I was impressed to see part of the tower still standing and looking over the inlet and towards Portavadie. Absolutely breathtaking views (literally) and well worth the short walk up the hill. Sheep also graze in this area, so you'd be best wearing boots or sturdy shoes. Had we of known, we could have done some of the signposted walks in the area. Apart from the sheep droppings, the area was really well maintained and seemed to attract a few visitors, even with the dreich weather.

This castle tour takes about 2 hours and is filled with information about the long and colorful…read morehistory of it's life. It is privately owned and the owner has a tremendous knowledge of the history of the castle. It was a ruin that was rebuilt by his family.

Cooler castle than I was expecting with lots of rooms to explore and a great view at the top. Only…read moreunexpected downside was how much worship of the MacLeans you had to wade through on the inside. The unexpected upsides outweighed that with a very nice tea room (the Victorian sponge cake was genuinely amazing) and a much-better-than-expected coastal walk around the castle with both impressive views of the castle itself and the surrounding area. We came here as a way to entertain the kids during a drive through the mountains parts of Mull for us to take in the amazing Scottish scenery. We had low expectations, but were really pleasantly surprised. The castle tour was both informative and had some really impressive rooms to enjoy. We wish we had more time to read everything, but small kids (4 and 7) give you limited time to stay put and read. My wife did wind up buying books about Mary Queen of Scots to learn more after we left though. The top of the castle had really impressive views, but the walls were high enough that I had tp lift both of the kids up to see. The views from one of the rooms in the castle looking out over the bay were really impressive though without needing to lift anyone up. After exploring the castle, we went to the tea room, where the kids got hot chocolate while we had espresso and Victorian sponge cake. The Victorian sponge cake is among the best desserts we've had on our trip in Scotland and we've been looking for more of it ever since we had it. The we took a long, nice walk down toward the water and around the castle with great views and some pretty cool stretches of walking through weird fern forests that were tall enough to even block my views at times.

Clan MacLean is part of my family tree, and visiting the ancestral castle was a magical experience…read more I was deeply moved by the castle's commitment to preserving and teaching about the clan history, but also by the clear efforts to provide outreach and a central meeting point to the wider MacLean family around the world. Displays throughout the castle and grounds were educational, interesting, and connected historical events to living generations. Meeting Sir Lachlan, the current chief of the castle, was a highlight; he was so generous with his time and so funny! His dedication to creating a meaningful connection to ancestry was evident and moving. We heard from another couple who had been on their way to the castle on foot, and a car had pulled over and offered them a ride, and it was Sir Lachlan on his way back from running an errand in town. If you're part Maclean, and visiting Duart to connect with this part of your heritage--yes, do it, highly encouraged; I also have to recommend staying at the lovely Pennygate Lodge in Craignure when you do. I met a distant relation who was also staying at Pennygate to finally see the family castle, we had a lovely chat, and I felt like part of a century-long goal to create a massive family-reunion had come true! You're also missing out if you don't get a pint at the Craignure Inn, and ask the locals if they have any stories to share about the castle or Sir Lachlan. Hilarious castle stories at the local pub was the perfect way to end a magnificent trip.

Newark Castle is very well preserved and stewards are always very welcoming and helpful. The…read morehistory is told in the upstairs gallery and it is a very interesting history indeed. One of the bedrooms has original wood panelling bed recesses which show grafitti of the time carved into them. It's quite shocking and sad that graffiti of this time can be found daubed on the outside castle walls! Inside the castle scottish music is played in the grand hall which gives a sense of what it was like at the time. The castle is reputed to be haunted - ask at the gift shop and I'm sure the steward will tell you the whole story as well as show you some seriously spooky pictures!