Castle Campbell, Medieval fortress in Dollar Glen, Scotland
Castle Campbell is a medieval fortress perched on a narrow ridge between two deep valleys in Scotland, featuring a four-story tower with defensive walls surrounding an inner courtyard. The stone structures take advantage of the steep terrain to create natural protection on multiple sides.
The fortress was originally called Castle Gloom until the Campbell clan took control in 1465 and renamed it to reflect their growing power in the region. This change marked it as a seat of one of Scotland's most influential noble families.
The castle served as a gathering place during Scotland's religious upheaval, hosting important meetings that shaped the nation's spiritual direction. You can walk through the rooms where these pivotal moments unfolded.
Access is via a walking trail through a nature reserve that takes about 20 minutes and passes through woodland and along steep valley sides. Sturdy footwear is advisable as parts of the path can be uneven and slippery.
The castle contains an Italian-style loggia, an unusual architectural feature for Scottish castles of its era, showing continental design influences at play. This detail reveals that the family had connections to European architectural trends.
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