Dysartian
Castle Campbell (Castle Gloom) in Dollar Glen
Imposing Castle Campbell occupies a high, narrow ridge in Dollar Glen, surrounded by a semi-circle of the Ochil Hills. Either side of the ridge runs two steep ravines through which the Burn of Care and the Burn of Sorrow rapidly flow.
The oldest part of the castle dates back to the early 15th century, when it was called ‘Castle Gloom’. The Campbells, one of the most powerful Highland clans, wanted a Lowland seat near to the centres of power, Stirling Castle and Edinburgh Castle and the royal court. Circa 1465, Colin Campbell, 1st Earl of Argyll obtained the castle through a strategic marriage. In 1489, the earl changed the name to Castle Campbell and Campbells occupied the castle for the next 200 years.
Over the years the castle hosted many famous historical figures, including John Knox, the fiery Protestant preacher and Mary Queen of Scots. During the battles between the Royalist Scots and the English Parliamentary armies, the Royalist general, the Marquis of Montrose burned the castle in 1645, during his campaign on behalf of the beleaguered Charles I. Following this, the Parliamentary commander, Cromwell’s lieutenant, General Monck, did something similar in 1654. The execution of the 8th Earl in 1661 effectively ended the castle’s days as a noble residence. In 1948 the castle was given into the care of Historic Scotland, who have run it ever since.
Castle Campbell (Castle Gloom) in Dollar Glen
Imposing Castle Campbell occupies a high, narrow ridge in Dollar Glen, surrounded by a semi-circle of the Ochil Hills. Either side of the ridge runs two steep ravines through which the Burn of Care and the Burn of Sorrow rapidly flow.
The oldest part of the castle dates back to the early 15th century, when it was called ‘Castle Gloom’. The Campbells, one of the most powerful Highland clans, wanted a Lowland seat near to the centres of power, Stirling Castle and Edinburgh Castle and the royal court. Circa 1465, Colin Campbell, 1st Earl of Argyll obtained the castle through a strategic marriage. In 1489, the earl changed the name to Castle Campbell and Campbells occupied the castle for the next 200 years.
Over the years the castle hosted many famous historical figures, including John Knox, the fiery Protestant preacher and Mary Queen of Scots. During the battles between the Royalist Scots and the English Parliamentary armies, the Royalist general, the Marquis of Montrose burned the castle in 1645, during his campaign on behalf of the beleaguered Charles I. Following this, the Parliamentary commander, Cromwell’s lieutenant, General Monck, did something similar in 1654. The execution of the 8th Earl in 1661 effectively ended the castle’s days as a noble residence. In 1948 the castle was given into the care of Historic Scotland, who have run it ever since.