Castle Gorm

Castle Gorm is a historic tower house located on a small island in Loch Gorm, on the Island of Islay in the Inner Hebrides, part of the Argyll and Bute council area in Scotland. The castle was originally constructed around the year 1500 by the Clan Donald. Its structure was square with bastions at each corner, typical of the defensive architecture of the period. The castle faced significant conflict during its history. In 1578, it was attacked, marking the beginning of a series of assaults. Another major attack occurred in 1608, resulting in substantial destruction. Despite this, Sir James MacDonald undertook efforts to rebuild the castle in 1615. However, the castle's restoration was short-lived; it was garrisoned in 1639 but soon faced further destruction. Today, Castle Gorm remains in a ruined state, yet it is accessible to visitors. It stands as a testament to the turbulent history of the region and the strategic importance of such fortifications during the era. Loch Gorm, the largest freshwater loch on Islay, provides a picturesque setting for the castle ruins, adding to the historical allure of the site.