Architecture Notes

Event ID 771487

Category Descriptive Accounts

Type Architecture Notes

Permalink http://canmore.org.uk/event/771487

Photograph on OS Cards

Lumsden correspondance with Harvey Brown. Further information from John Mitchell, Nature Conservancy Council - see NMRS letters:

'DUNBARTONSHIRE: INCHGALBRAITH CASTLE

Thank you for your informative letter of 30th October. As you surmised, I am gathering material on the former osprey site on the castle ruins. I was unaware of Gilpin's description, and will follow this one up.

The earliest possible date for the castle of 1542 is interesting, for when Pont surveyed the area c1590s he described the Inchgalbraith castle as 'old' and the island as overgrown

(ref: Macfarlanes geographical collections Vol II, Mitchell 1907). It would appear therefore that occupation of the building was very brief, and even raises the question of whether or not it was ever completed. I have a copy of the brief description by Fraser (1869) :- 'The north wall or tower remain, covered with ivy and surrounded by a thicket of trees. A portcullis of falling gate-door hung over the gate for greater security. The groove in which the portcullis was raised and let down is still to be seen'.

I have never seen an illustration of the Inchgalbraith castle ruins in any work. The next time I am across that side of the loch I will take a photograph or two for your archive.'