Castle Campbell is nestled in the Ochil Hills close to the city of Stirling.

The castle dates from the early 15th century and was built for John Stewart, Lord of Lorn. In 1465, the castle passed by marriage to Colin Campbell, Earl of Argyll when he married Isobel Stewart. The Campbells had come to prominence following the Wars of Scottish Independence.

Colin Campbell died in 1493 and was succeeded by his son, Archibald. He had been appointed as Chancellor of Scotland in 1483 and following his father’s death, he reflected his status with a wave of upgrades at Castle Campbell. Archibald died alongside King James IV at the Battle of Flodden in 1513.

The Campbell’s status inevitably saw important visitors come to the castle. In 1556, John Knox preached to a large audience there. The castle also hosted a royal visit in January 1563 when Mary, Queen of Scots visited to attend the wedding of James Stewart, Lord Doune to Margaret, sister to Archibald, 5th Earl of Argyll. Two years later Mary was back but this time at the head of an army following Campbell’s decision to support the rebels opposing her.

The execution of King Charles I in 1649 created a schism between the English Parliament and Scotland. Archibald Campbell initially supported King Charles II but when English forces invaded and secured a decisive victory at the Battle of Dunbar (1650), he switched sides to support Oliver Cromwell. By December 1653, Castle Campbell was being used to garrison English troops, but in Summer 1654 it was attacked by Royalists and gutted by fire.

Following the Restoration of King Charles II, the treasonous Archibald Campbell was promptly executed. His son opted to live in Stirling instead and Castle Campbell was never repaired. It passed into state care in 1948 and is cared for by Historic Scotland today.