Overview of Castle Campbell

A substantial ruined courtyard castle which stands on an elevated position overlooking Dollar in Clackmannanshire, Castle Campbell was held by the Stewarts until the late 15th Century when it passed by marriage to the Campbells. In 1489 an Act of Parliament was passed permitting the four-storey tower house built by its new owners to be called Castle Campbell. Held by them for nearly three centuries, it was the principal Campbell stronghold in the lowlands. The castle was extended in the 16th century with the addition of a new three-storey south range, becoming a commodious residence. Its visitors at this time included church-leader John Knox in 1556 and Mary Queen of Scots in 1563. A new entrance was provided in the late 16th C. and the east range was rebuilt c.1600.

With Archibald Campbell, the Marquis of Argyll (1598 - 1661) having supported Oliver Cromwell (1599 - 1654) when he invaded Scotland, the castle was attacked and badly damaged in 1654 by a Scottish force making it unfit to be used as a garrison by Cromwell's New Model Army. George, 6th Duke of Argyll (1766 - 1839), sold the land and buildings in the early 19th Century.

In 1948 both the castle and Dollar Glen were gifted to the National Trust for Scotland, with an agreement made that the castle would be maintained by the Ministry of Works. This guardianship has subsequently passed to Historic Scotland.