Tarbert Castle, Medieval castle ruins in Tarbert, Scotland
Tarbert Castle is a medieval fortress ruin perched on a hilltop above the village and Loch Fyne. The site contains thick stone walls, round towers, and the foundations of several structures that once housed administrative and residential functions.
Robert the Bruce expanded the fortress in 1325, adding a hall, chapel, houses, and workshops documented in Scottish records. A century later, the site served as a gathering place for leading Scottish figures.
The castle was a center of power for Scottish kings and officials who controlled trade routes and territories from this location. Visitors can still study the architecture that was built to serve this commanding role.
The site is open to explore at your own pace, with visitors able to walk among the ruins and enjoy views toward the coast. The exposed location can be breezy and the ground uneven, so wear sturdy footwear when visiting.
The original master mason received extra payment in 1325 for building the walls thicker than the construction contract specified. This change reveals that the fortress needed stronger defenses than initially planned.
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