Lochranza Castle

Romantic ruins of the Lochranza Castle are located in the north of the island Arran in Scotland. Beautiful ruined stone walls of the castle are on a peninsula of the same name, which is 10 kilometers north of the island's capital, Brodick.

Lochranza Castle was built of stone with a tower that stands alone on the corner by the passing river. There are beautiful views around of rolling hills and picturesque scenery, amidst which you might see some deer.

Built originally as a hunting lodge, Lochranza Castle dates from 14th century, but what remains today of the fort was erected sometime in the 16th century. You may take a small ferry, which arrives at Claonaig, located on the Kintyre peninsula to reach the castle.

The original building at this location was erected sometime in the 13th century when the land belonged to the MacSweens. In 1262 King Alexander III, granted the lands and the castle to Walter Stewart, Earl of Menteith. It is believed that Robert the Bruce came to here in 1306 after returning from Ireland to claim the Scottish throne. At ths time the castle was used as a royal hunting lodge.

Around 1705 it becomes property of the Hamilton family, and was purchased by the Duchess of Hamilton. Hamilton's family was the owner of other properties on the Isle of Arran. In the eighteenth century, the castle was abandoned and fell into disrepair.

The castle is now managed by Historic Scotland.

Lochranza Castle became a model of a fortress and is the background scene in movie made in 1960 by Tintin. Later drawings modernize and animation continue to bebroadcast. In 2010, a new cartoon, that shows the castle goes on TV in Scotland, but is renamed as Kisimul Castle.