Emotional unveiling at restored Loch Fyne castle
THE MACLACHLANS are one of the oldest clans in Argyll, with evidence of chieftains going back to the early 13th century.
Now, after many years of hard work, their ancient clan seat on the shores of Loch Fyne has been preserved for future generations to enjoy.
Built in the 15th century, Old Castle Lachlan witnessed plenty of history, not least the Jacobite uprisings in which the MacLachlans were on the side of Bonnie Prince Charlie - a precarious position in the midst of Campbell country.
Claiming descent from the ancient High Kings of Ireland, the MacLachlans once held land on either side of Loch Fyne, in both Knapdale and Cowal.
The 17th chief of the clan was killed in the Battle of Culloden in 1746 and legend has it that a government ship sailed up the loch to bombard the castle following the Jacobite defeat. Castle Lachlan has not been occupied since - unless you take account of Munn, the resident Brownie (elf, or sprite), who still seems to be around.
Fourteen years ago, when faced with a crumbling ruin and the immediate problem of a crack on the west-facing wall, the Lachlan Trust set about planning to repair the old castle - at an estimated cost of £1.5 million.
Restored
After extensive fundraising efforts supported by Historic Scotland and the Heritage Lottery Fund, the newly-restored castle was officially opened on Saturday May 21 by Douglas Currie, former convenor of Argyll and Bute Council and wellknown local resident. Looking on were MacLachlans from around the world alongside many of the people associated with the restoration of the castle and surrounding area.
Cutting the ribbon, Mr Currie said: ‘I first came to Strathlachlan 64 years ago and used to climb these castle walls when I was young. It’s a great pleasure to open this latest stage in the refurbishment of Castle Lachlan.’
As piper Kate Paton played lovely airs, current clan chief Euan MacLachlan of MacLachlan said: ‘This is the culmination of many years of hard work by a lot of people. It’s very emotional to see this old castle, the clan seat, being stabilised and restored.’
Successful as the works have been, it is estimated they cover just 15 per cent of the castle walls.
Euan MacLachlan added: ‘Hopefully we’ll be able to raise some more funds through the Lachlan Trust to tackle the rest of the castle.’
Credit
Outgoing Lachlan Trust executive trustee Donald MacLauchlan said: ‘Our project manager Marion Bowman really deserves the credit for seeing this through over the past five or six years.
He added: ‘It’s been stimulating and I have taken a lot of pleasure in seeing the results. It really is a marvellous sight.’