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Castle Sween. General view from South-East.

AG 13223

Description Castle Sween. General view from South-East.

Date 1983

Catalogue Number AG 13223

Category Photographs and Off-line Digital Images

Copies SC 360821, SC 2599644

Scope and Content Elevated view of Castle Sween looking across Loch Sween to Jura, Knapdale, Argyll Sween Castle was probably begun in the late 12th century by Suibhne, the first of the MacSween lords of Knapdale. In 1262, the family lost Knapdale to the king's ally, the earl of Menteith, and subsequently became Irish landowners and mercenaries. The castle is strategically sited to control the sea-ways. It overlooks Loch Sween, the best maritime anchorage in Knapdale, and also commands a view of across Jura Sound to Jura itself in the distance. Until well into the 18th century, Argyll's sea-lanes were more strategically important than its roads. Most trade went by boat, and it was easier to sail on the sea lochs than to march through the mountainous interior where armies were easily ambushed. Source: RCAHMS contribution to SCRAN.

Permalink http://canmore.org.uk/collection/359732

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Attribution: © RCAHMS

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