Fraoch Eilean Castle

Fraoch Eilean Castle is a small ruined courtyard castle on a rocky island at the northern end of Lochawe in Argyll. It can only be reached by boat as it is half a mile from shore. The castle is first mentioned in 1267 as a royal foundation being looked after by the MacNaughton clan. It was primarily a fortified courtyard with a hall at one end, and was an impressive and dominant structure prior to the island becoming covered with trees.

The castle was held by the MacDougalls during the Wars of Independence until their defeat by Robert Bruce at the Pass of Brander in 1308. The castle may have been slighted, but from this date onwards, Lochawe was Campbell property, and the castle is not mentioned again until the 17th century. A large new house was then erected on the site incorporating the old hall. It may have been occupied then for a century or more, before falling into disuse, probably in the mid 18th century.

HES Canmore database entry