Island I Vow Castle

Heritage listing

Date Added 07/02/2005 Type Secular: castle Local Authority Argyll And Bute Parish Arrochar NGR NN 33130 12760 Coordinates 233130, 712760 — The monument comprises the remains of a 16th-century castle and small rectangular buildings, enclosure walls and a jetty which are probably contemporaneous with the castle. Island I Vow is the northernmost of Loch Lomond's islands. The castle dates to 1577 and was built by Andrew MacFarlane as a residence of the MacFarlane chiefs. When the castle on Inveruglas isle was destroyed by Cromwell's troops in the mid 17th century, the castle on Island I Vow became the principle residence of the MacFarlane clan chiefs. The castle stands at the southern edge of the island with a small bay immediately to the south. The entrance to the castle was probably on the N. The E and S walls are in a reasonable state of preservation, surviving to c 7m and there is a possible stairwell rising from the first floor in the SE internal corner. The castle had a vaulted ground floor and a small vaulted room remains, probably either a cellar or kitchen. Immediately above the vault the first floor (ground) surface may be intact underneath the turf covering and it is likely that this area formed the hall of the castle. The large window in the S wall is placed directly above the vault and the later fireplace in the SW corner suggests that this was a living area . To the W and N of the castle are the ruins of small houses. Their walls are mainly drystone, although some parts are mortared. Their period of construction is not certain but they may be contemporary with the castle. The open area on the east side of the castle may have been used as gardens or for small-scale agricultural production or for livestock. Enclosure walls can be traced along the W and S shores

From Historic Environment Scotland under OGL v3.