Glencoe The Pap of Glencoe towers dominantly above the village like the guardian of the Glen. To say it is picturesque would be an understatement. The Glen has something for everybody from the experienced climbers to first time ramblers, photographers, artists & sightseers to mention but a few. In the early hours of the morning on the 13th of February 1692 the Glen ran red with the blood of the Clan Macdonald. In all it’s recorded that thirty-eight members of the clan were murdered by visiting Government Troops made up mainly of Campbells, sworn enemies of the Macdonalds. The troops had arrived into the Glen a full two weeks prior to massacring their hosts and enjoyed their hospitality. Lochawe Kilchurn Castle sits on a plateau of rock next to a marsh bed on the edge of Loch Awe, where the waters from River Orchy enter it. Kilchurn was constructed by Sir Colin Campbell of Glenorchy around the mid 1400s. The original construction of the castle consisted of a five storey tower house with surrounding curtain wall. Initially the water level of Loch Awe was higher than in present day. So the castle sat upon an island. Further development of Kilchurn took place over centuries including the construction of a large dinning hall and quarters to accommodate around 200 hundred soldiers. Only two out of three towers built remain standing today. The Castle was finally abandoned during the 18th century and gradually deteriorated into the relatively intact ruins that stand today. In recent years there have been wooden stairs and platforms constructed giving access to the upper levels of the tower house. The panoramic views from the top are fabulous. Barcaldine The Sea Life Sanctuary was established in 1970s. It gives the opportunity to see at close quarters different creatures that otherwise would remain a mystery to most people. There are Resident Seals and The Otter Sanctuary with an underwater viewing area. It was opened in 2002. Witness these graceful animals swimming up close. The Sea Life Sanctuary also does valuable conservation work rescuing creatures that otherwise would likely perish. Around a dozen seal pups are rescued every year. They are cared for and nursed back to health by the experienced staff at the centre. These animals are released back into their natural habitat when fully recovered. Top of Page