Welcome back to "A Scottish Castle, A Day," brought to you by bagtownclans.com. I’m your host, Colin MacDonald, and today we’re heading to the west coast of Scotland, to the shimmering waters of Loch Laich, where one of the most iconic castles in all of Scotland stands tall: Castle Stalker. Rising dramatically from a tiny islet, this stunning medieval stronghold offers more than just breathtaking views—it’s a portal into centuries of Highland history, clan feuds, and royal connections. So, grab your walking boots and let's take a journey through time to uncover the remarkable story of Castle Stalker.
Castle Stalker—whose name originates from the Gaelic "Stalcaire," meaning hunter or falconer—has a history deeply intertwined with two of Scotland’s most notable clans: the MacDougalls and the Stewarts of Appin. Its story begins as far back as 1320 when this very site was believed to have hosted a simple fortified building, known as a fortalice, constructed by the MacDougalls when they were the powerful Lords of Lorn. This was a time of great upheaval in Scotland, as the MacDougalls had recently lost their title following their defeat by Robert the Bruce at the Battle of Brander Pass in 1308. However, they managed to regain their influence for a brief period, and Castle Stalker became one of their key strongholds.
But, like the ever-shifting tides that surround the castle, power in the Highlands was also in constant flux. In 1388, the Lordship of Lorn passed from the MacDougalls to the Stewarts—a change that would shape the future of Castle Stalker. It was around this time that the castle we see today was likely built in its present form by Sir John Stewart, the Lord of Lorn. Now, Sir John was a man with ambitions both on and off the battlefield. He fathered an illegitimate son in 1446, and it’s believed he constructed Castle Stalker as a residence around this time.
The drama in Sir John's life, however, didn’t end with castle-building. In 1463, while attempting to legitimize his son through marriage, Sir John was murdered by Alan MacCoul, a renegade from the MacDougall clan. But in true Highland fashion, vengeance was swift and bloody. Sir John's son, Dugald, went on to kill MacCoul at the Battle of Stalc, just across the water from Castle Stalker. This victory not only cemented Dugald as the First Chief of the Stewarts of Appin but also solidified the castle’s place as a seat of power.
One of the most colorful chapters in Castle Stalker’s story involves none other than King James IV of Scotland, who was related to the Stewarts of Appin. The King, known for his love of hunting and hawking, frequently visited Castle Stalker in the late 15th century, using it as a base for his excursions into the Highlands. During his stays, it’s believed that upgrades were made to the castle, possibly adding the top floor and roof. It’s said that the royal arms above the front door may even date back to this period, a lasting reminder of the castle’s connection to Scotland’s monarchy.
Yet, Castle Stalker’s history is not just about royal visits—it’s also about bitter clan rivalries. In 1520, Sir Alexander Stewart of Invernahyle, a relative of the Stewarts of Appin, was murdered by the Campbells while fishing near the castle. This gruesome act sparked a wave of revenge, with the Stewarts, led by the formidable Donald "nan Ord" Stewart, launching attacks on the Campbells. Donald, a legendary figure known for his incredible strength—rumor has it he could wield a blacksmith’s hammer in each hand—became a key player in the Stewart-Campbell feud, and his actions would resonate for generations.
Fast forward to the 17th century, and the fate of Castle Stalker would take another dramatic turn—this time due to a drunken wager. In around 1620, Duncan Stewart, the 7th Chief of Appin, lost the castle to the Campbells of Airds in a bet involving an eight-oared boat. Such a loss didn’t sit well with the Stewarts, and they managed to reclaim the castle in 1689, only to lose it again after a prolonged siege by the Campbells. The ebb and flow of control between these clans became a recurring theme, with each trying to hold onto this strategic fortress.
During the Jacobite rising of 1745, Castle Stalker found itself back in the spotlight, held by the Campbells and garrisoned with government troops. Despite their loyalty to Prince Charles, the Stewarts of Appin—whose regiment fought valiantly in the Jacobite cause—were unable to retake the castle. Its thick walls proved too strong for their small cannons, and the castle remained a vital link for government forces throughout the uprising. Following the disastrous defeat at Culloden, the castle became a place where Highlanders were forced to surrender their weapons, marking the end of an era for the clans.
By the late 18th century, the Campbells had abandoned Castle Stalker, leaving it to fall into ruin. Its roof collapsed, and it became little more than a storehouse. However, in 1908, the castle’s story took a hopeful turn when it was purchased by Charles Stewart of Achara, who carried out basic preservation work to save it from further decay. The most significant restoration, however, came in 1965 when Lt. Col. D. R. Stewart Allward took over and, with the help of family and friends, spent a decade painstakingly restoring the castle to its former glory.
Today, Castle Stalker stands as one of the best-preserved medieval tower houses in Scotland, its walls now fully habitable thanks to the dedication of Lt. Col. Allward. It’s a fitting legacy for a castle that has seen so much history, from clan battles to royal hunts, and even a brief appearance in the world of cinema—Monty Python fans may recognize it as "The Castle Aaaaarrrrrrggghhh" from Monty Python and the Holy Grail.
So, whether you're a history buff, a fan of Highland landscapes, or simply someone who loves a good clan feud, Castle Stalker offers something for everyone. Its rugged beauty, perched on its tiny islet, serves as a reminder of Scotland’s turbulent past and the resilience of those who fought to hold it.
Thank you for joining us on this episode of "A Scottish Castle, A Day." We hope you’ve enjoyed unraveling the rich history of Castle Stalker. Tune in tomorrow as we journey to another of Scotland’s remarkable castles. I’m Colin MacDonald, and until then, Slán go fóill!
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