I recently wrote a post on visiting Kilmartin Glen and the prehistoric landscape of Mid Argyll is a must if you're interested in finding out more about Scotland's past. As well as visiting Kilmartin House Museum, you can discover the many standing stones, cairns and monuments scattered around the landscape.
Another historic point of interest in this area is Carnasserie Castle, a 16th century tower house located on a hill overlooking Kilmartin Glen. There is parking at the bottom of the hill and it's a short, quite steep, walk up to the ruins, which are free to explore.
The castle was once home to the first Protestant Bishop of the Isles, John Carswell who translated 'Book of our Common Order' by John Knox into Gaelic (the first book to be printed in Gaelic).
Built in the 1560s it is a good example of Renaissance architecture having only ever been altered slightly in the 17th century. I liked how decorative even the gun and pistol holes were in the outer wall.
The atmospheric ruins give you a good idea of what the castle would have been like in the past. The five storey tower house was combined with a three storey hall house: on the lower levels you can explore the remains of a kitchen and cellars, with a large fireplace; the large hall is above, connected to a drawing room in the tower house; and there are stairs that wind up to upper levels where the bedrooms would have been located.
As well as exploring the castle interior, one of the highlights of a visit to Carnasserie Castle is the view from the top of the ruins (there are narrow stairs on either side of the castle), where you can take in the sweeping views of the surrounding countryside.
With its idyllic setting and interesting history, a visit to Carnasserie Castle is a must if you're in the area.
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