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Toward Castle

Heritage Site in Argyllshire

Scotland

Toward Castle

Fishing boat Shalimar off Rothesay Kirkcaldy registered Shalimar (KY 989) seen from the ferry heading to Rothesay.
Fishing boat Shalimar off Rothesay Credit: Thomas Nugent

Toward Castle, located in Argyllshire, Scotland, is a historic heritage site that holds great significance in the country's history. Dating back to the 15th century, the castle stands majestically on a promontory overlooking the Kyles of Bute, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.

The castle was originally built by the Clan Lamont, one of the most prominent clans in the region. It served as their stronghold and played a vital role in defending the area against rival clans during times of conflict. Over the years, the castle underwent several renovations and expansions, resulting in a unique blend of architectural styles.

The castle's design showcases a mix of medieval and baronial architecture, with its imposing stone walls, turrets, and battlements. Visitors can explore the various rooms and chambers, including the grand hall, bedrooms, and a dungeon, providing a glimpse into the castle's rich history.

Toward Castle is also known for its beautiful gardens and grounds. The surrounding landscape features manicured lawns, vibrant flower beds, and ancient trees, creating a serene and picturesque setting. Additionally, the castle's location near the coast provides opportunities for visitors to enjoy scenic walks along the shoreline or partake in water activities such as kayaking or sailing.

Today, Toward Castle is open to the public, offering guided tours that delve into its captivating past. It serves as a popular destination for history enthusiasts, photographers, and those seeking a tranquil escape in the stunning Scottish countryside.

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Toward Castle Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 55.863/-5.013 or Grid Reference NS1167. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Fishing boat Shalimar off Rothesay Kirkcaldy registered Shalimar (KY 989) seen from the ferry heading to Rothesay.
Fishing boat Shalimar off Rothesay
Kirkcaldy registered Shalimar (KY 989) seen from the ferry heading to Rothesay.
Old Milestone, Castle Toward Dunoon plate by the A815 , in parish of Dunoon & Kilmun (Argyll & Bute District), Toward Quay, built into wall. South facing view see <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/6069048">NS1167 : Old Milestone by the A815, Toward Quay, Dunoon and Kilmun parish</a> Milestone Society National ID: AB_DNTO08
Old Milestone, Castle Toward
Dunoon plate by the A815 , in parish of Dunoon & Kilmun (Argyll & Bute District), Toward Quay, built into wall. South facing view see NS1167 : Old Milestone by the A815, Toward Quay, Dunoon and Kilmun parish Milestone Society National ID: AB_DNTO08
Toward Point Cardinal Buoy Buoy number 34, as seen from a passing ferry. The houses are near Toward Primary School.
Toward Point Cardinal Buoy
Buoy number 34, as seen from a passing ferry. The houses are near Toward Primary School.
Toward Castle - The Dunoon Massacre The Dunoon Massacre was a massacre that took place around Dunoon on the Cowal Peninsula in 1646. Men of the powerful Clan Campbell massacred men, women and children of Clan Lamont. By 1646, Clan Campbell, neighbours of Clan Lamont, had steadily encroached the Lamont's lands. After the 1645 Battle of Inverlochy near Fort William, Clan Lamont took the opportunity to lay waste to the Campbell's territory. The following year, the powerful Clan Campbell army invaded Clan Lamont lands, taking their castles of Toward on Cowal and Ascog on Bute. At Toward the Campbell's slaughtered the Lamont's and threw bodies down the well to poison the water should they have missed anyone. Sir James Lamont surrendered after accepting fair terms for his people, but the Campbell's then slaughtered over two hundred of Lamont's men, women and children. Elsewhere, one tree was said to have carried thirty five bodies from its branches, and another thirty six men were buried alive. The two Lamont castles were set alight and razed. Sir James Lamont was thrown into a dungeon for five years. This event became known as The Dunoon Massacre.
Toward Castle - The Dunoon Massacre
The Dunoon Massacre was a massacre that took place around Dunoon on the Cowal Peninsula in 1646. Men of the powerful Clan Campbell massacred men, women and children of Clan Lamont. By 1646, Clan Campbell, neighbours of Clan Lamont, had steadily encroached the Lamont's lands. After the 1645 Battle of Inverlochy near Fort William, Clan Lamont took the opportunity to lay waste to the Campbell's territory. The following year, the powerful Clan Campbell army invaded Clan Lamont lands, taking their castles of Toward on Cowal and Ascog on Bute. At Toward the Campbell's slaughtered the Lamont's and threw bodies down the well to poison the water should they have missed anyone. Sir James Lamont surrendered after accepting fair terms for his people, but the Campbell's then slaughtered over two hundred of Lamont's men, women and children. Elsewhere, one tree was said to have carried thirty five bodies from its branches, and another thirty six men were buried alive. The two Lamont castles were set alight and razed. Sir James Lamont was thrown into a dungeon for five years. This event became known as The Dunoon Massacre.
Toward Point cardinal Buoy Seen from a passing ferry.
Toward Point cardinal Buoy
Seen from a passing ferry.
Yacht passing Toward Point cardinal buoy Viewed from a passing ferry. See also <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/7354273">NS1366 : Yacht passing Toward Point</a>.
Yacht passing Toward Point cardinal buoy
Viewed from a passing ferry. See also NS1366 : Yacht passing Toward Point.
Yacht passing Toward Point Yacht number 2469C Sabai heading towards the point from the west. Viewed from a passing ferry.
Yacht passing Toward Point
Yacht number 2469C Sabai heading towards the point from the west. Viewed from a passing ferry.
A815 near Toward Point
A815 near Toward Point
Road towards Inverchaolain
Road towards Inverchaolain
Road near Castle Toward
Road near Castle Toward
Road near Castle Toward
Road near Castle Toward
Road near Killellan Farm
Road near Killellan Farm
Old milepost The Dunoon 7 miles post was not found in 2007 so Dunoon 8 at Toward Quay is the next in situ. It is built into the wall near the entrance to Toward Castle. In 2007 it had no white paint and was very rusty. Judging by other pictures submitted for this Grid Square, it has been painted 2 or 3 times since then. HES Canmore 165276.
Old milepost
The Dunoon 7 miles post was not found in 2007 so Dunoon 8 at Toward Quay is the next in situ. It is built into the wall near the entrance to Toward Castle. In 2007 it had no white paint and was very rusty. Judging by other pictures submitted for this Grid Square, it has been painted 2 or 3 times since then. HES Canmore 165276.
Old milepost Toward Quay and across the water, the Island of Bute. HES Canmore 165276
Old milepost
Toward Quay and across the water, the Island of Bute. HES Canmore 165276
Castle Toward from Bute Ferry At south end of Cowal Peninsula this is used as a music school by Strathclyde local authorities
Castle Toward from Bute Ferry
At south end of Cowal Peninsula this is used as a music school by Strathclyde local authorities
Toward Farm
Toward Farm
Toward Primary School
Toward Primary School
The Old Smiddy, Toward Picture taken 2003 but could not remember the correct location.
The Old Smiddy, Toward
Picture taken 2003 but could not remember the correct location.
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Toward Castle is located at Grid Ref: NS1167 (Lat: 55.863, Lng: -5.013)

Unitary Authority: Argyll and Bute

Police Authority: Argyll and West Dunbartonshire

What 3 Words

///peanut.foreheads.caves. Near Port Bannatyne, Argyll & Bute

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