Scotland is home to many unique and historic castles, but few are as visually striking as Castle Stalker.
Located 25 miles north of Oban on the west coast of the country, the picturesque castle is surrounded on all sides by water. It is among the best-preserved mediaeval tower houses in Scotland, and is a Category A listed building.
Castle Stalker is set on a tidal islet on Loch Laich, an inlet off Loch Linnhe. Due to its unusual location, the castle can only be accessed from the shore at low tide, though even then it can prove difficult.
The name of the four-storey castle comes from the Gaelic 'Stalcaire', which refers to "hunter" or "falconer". It dates back to around 1320, when it was a small fort constructed by Clan MacDougall when they were Lords of Lorn.
Around 100 years later, Clan Stewart took over the Lordship of Lorn, and constructed the castle as it is seen today. Ownership again changed hands to Clan Campbell in approximately 1620, reportedly as a result of a drunken bet.
Over the following years, Castle Stalker changed hands between the Stewarts and the Campbells numerous times, before the latter eventually abandoned it in 1840 after it lost its roof. By this time, the castle was little more than a storehouse for the clan.
After decades of deterioration, the once-magnificent property was purchased by Charles Stewart of Achara in 1908. He and his successor, Duncan Stewart, spent years carrying out preservation work before the castle was acquired by Lt. Col. Stewart Allward, who fully restored it over a period of 10 years.
It was around this time that perhaps the most unusual event in Castle Stalker's long history took place. In 1975, it made an appearance in Monty Python and the Holy Grail as Castle Aaaaarrrrrrggghhh.
While the majority of the castle scenes in the iconic movie were filmed at Doune Castle in Stirling, Castle Stalker had the honour of being used for the final scene of the film.
Fans will remember the scene well, in which a French castle guard played by John Cleese taunts King Arthur in a French accent from its battlements.
After Lt Col Stewart Allward's death in 1991, ownership of the castle passed onto his family. His children continue to manage upkeep of the property to this day, and it remains a private family residence.
Though it is privately owned, Castle Stalker can be accessed through special guided tours. More information can be found on the Castle Stalker website.
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