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Castle Stalker and Donald of the Hammers

When roads in the Highlands were sketchy at best and the easiest form of travel was by boat, Castle Stalker guarded an important route inland. Loch Linnhe slices deep into the Highlands from the Isle of Mull right up the Great Glen Fault to what would become Fort William. There has been a fort here since the early 14th century, built by the MacDougalls of Lorn who fought on the losing side during the Scottish Wars of Independence. The MacDougalls didn’t hold on here for long after Robert the Bruce came to power and it was the Stewarts of Appin who built Castle Stalker in the 15th century much as we see it today.

The Stewart’s main rivals in the area were Clan Campbell. They had raided and counter-raided each other for generations and then sometime around 1520 the Campbells got lucky. A group of them discovered the rival clan chief, Alexander Stewart out on his own fishing in the loch. The residents of the castle could only stand and watch as the Campbells ambushed and killed Alexander. The chief’s son Donald was only a baby at the time and his nurse was terrified that the Campbells would press their advantage and storm Castle Stalker so she hid Donald and ran off to safety.

When the coast was clear, the nurse returned to discover Donald right where she left him but decided the castle was no longer a safe place for the child. She took him to a local blacksmith to raise Donald in secret and protect him from the Campbells. The child grew up with legendary strength and became known as “Donald nan Ord” or Donald of the Hammers because he could wield a huge blacksmith’s hammer in each hand.

When Donald learned who his real father was and what had happened to him, he put those hammers to good use. In 1544, he raised the fighting men of the clan and attacked the Campbells at Dunstaffnage Castle. Donald avenged his father’s death and killed nine Campbells in the process before taking his rightful place as the Lord of Castle Stalker. Three years later Donald would raise the clan again and lead them during the disastrous Battle of Pinkie. As reckless a warrior as Donald sounds he lived to be 87 which was a remarkable achievement in those days! Eventually Castle Stalker was lost by the Stewarts to their old enemy the Campbells in 1620. After all those years of violence and bloodshed, the castle changed hands not through battle but as the result of a drunken wager. The Stewarts tried to reclaim it several times through more traditional scheming and fighting but nothing seemed to work. They even bombarded their former home during the 1745 Jacobite rising but the cannons weren’t powerful enough to break down the thick walls.

In the end, Castle Stalker was abandoned by the Campbells and left to ruin and it was purchased by Charles Stewart of Achara in 1908. Luckily for us that the Stewarts were playing the long game and have since restored the tower to its former glory.

Article by Graeme Johncock Photographs Simon Hird

Bruce's Stone

Loch Trool

Perched atop a hill with a commanding view over Loch Trool, Bruce's Stone is a granite tribute to a defining moment in Scottish history. It commemorates King Robert the Bruce's 1307 victory against English forces, a key turn in Scotland's fight for independence. The monument was installed in 1929, six centuries after Bruce's passing, and has since been an emblem of Scottish identity. The stone also marks the starting point for hikes up Merrick, the tallest mountain in southern Scotland—a challenging ascent, but one that offers unparalleled vistas for those who make the journey.

Gardenstown

Aberdeenshire

Often associated with the neighbouring villages of Pennan and Crovie, Gardenstown is the largest of the three, yet shares many of the features that make these coastal settlements distinctively picturesque. Built at the base of steep cliffs, a huddle of houses mingles just yards from the water’s edge around a large harbour. The first were built at sea level when Gardenstown was founded in the early 18th century as a fishing village, with later additions tiered, theatrically, in niches up the steep hillside. Whereas Crovie is distinct for its single row of seaside cottages, Gardenstown is more substantially developed, although the character of the western end, at Seatown, is certainly reminiscent of its neighbour.

Largs Pencil Monument

North Ayrshire

The Largs Pencil Monument stands as a unique tribute to the Battle of Largs in 1263, where Scottish forces fended off an invasion by the Norse King Haakon IV. Located in the coastal town of Largs in North Ayrshire, the structure resembles a medieval pencil, highlighting the historical significance of the event it commemorates. Beyond its role as a memorial, the monument is also a popular starting point for scenic walks along the coast or through nearby Kelburn Country Park. Visiting the Largs Pencil offers not just a lesson in Scottish history, but also a chance to enjoy the natural beauty of the surrounding area.

A Tour of Historic Stirling

When it comes to the history of Scotland, there are few places as important as Stirling. Positioned at a crossing point in the River Forth, its known as the Guardian of the Highlands for a reason. Hundreds of years ago, if an army wanted to move north then they had to go past Stirling. Major historical events have taken place all around Scotland’s smallest city and the evidence is still there for all to see.

Stirling Castle

The highlight of most visits to the city, Stirling Castle has a long and exciting history. Surrounded by cliffs on three sides, this was a powerful fortress favoured by Scottish royalty. Its more of a luxury palace than a defensive structure now, but Stirling Castle was deeply involved in many Scottish conflicts including the Wars of Independence.

In 1304, this was the final bastion of Scottish resistance against Edward Longshanks’ powerful army. The garrison knew that they were alone and out of options. When the Scots surrendered, Edward refused to accept until he could try out Warwolf – an enormous trebuchet that had taken over 2 months to build.

Fast forward almost 150 years and Stirling Castle was safely back in Scottish hands and the scene for one of the bloodiest dinner parties in Scottish history. King James II invited the powerful 8th Earl of Douglas here under a letter of safe passage to discuss their differences. An argument broke out and that letter wasn’t worth the paper it was written on. Douglas wasn’t just killed, he was stabbed 26 times and thrown from a window into the grounds below.

Wallace Monument

The inspiring Wallace Monument soars high above Stirling, reminding visitors and locals alike of Scotland’s National Hero. The Abbey Craig hill that the monument sits on is believed to be where Wallace and Moray had their headquarters the night before that historic Battle of Stirling Bridge.

Inside the monument, learn the history around Wallace’s rise to leading the Scottish resistance and details of the battle fought on the fields below. On display is the Wallace Sword and the Hall of Heroes containing busts of other famous Scots. After climbing all the way to the top of the building, you’re rewarded with unrivalled views of historic Stirling.

Cambuskenneth Abbey

In a lazy loop of the River Forth not far from the Wallace Monument hides the remains of Cambuskenneth Abbey. The only part still standing is the bell tower, but these humble ruins disguise a rich history. Robert the Bruce held parliaments at Cambuskenneth, James III and his wife lie here and if you believe the legends then one quarter of William Wallace was even buried in the grounds.

Battle of Bannockburn

Just outside of Stirling, the Battle of Bannockburn visitor centre tells the story of King Robert the Bruce’s monumental victory against overwhelming odds. There is arguably no event in Scottish history that conjures up the same feelings as Bannockburn and the battle is closely linked to Stirling Castle.

In 1314, Stirling Castle was one of the last Scottish fortresses still in the hands of the English. Edward Bruce was struggling to breach the castle’s defenses and so he made a deal. If the castle wasn’t relieved by midsummer, then the garrison agreed to surrender. The English couldn’t afford to lose Stirling and so an enormous English army came north.

The Battle of Bannockburn lasted for 2 days but in the end, the Scots won the day. Superior tactics defeated brute force and Robert the Bruce had firmly secured his place in history.

Stirling Bridge

The late 15th Century Old Stirling Bridge that stands today replaced an even older wooden bridge that helped bring around one of Scotland’s greatest historical victories. In 1297, William Wallace and Andrew de Moray led an outnumbered Scottish army to victory against the large English war machine.

Stirling Bridge was so narrow that only 2 horsemen could cross side by side, and it would take hours to move the entire English army. Waiting until just the right number had crossed the bridge, the Scottish spears rushed to attack. Without giving the English time to form up or the space they needed to fight, the Scots won the day.

Stormhouse

Stormhouse offers two separate accommodations on Argyll's West Coast, combining modern luxury with natural beauty. Located 100 meters away from each other in a secluded wooded setting, The North House and The South House feature contemporary design elements like floor-to-ceiling windows, which allow impressive views to integrate seamlessly into the interior.

Both houses come equipped with up-to-date kitchens and living spaces, as well as wetrooms featuring rainfall showers for an added touch of luxury. For a unique experience, outdoor hydromassage hot tubs are offered at each property. Whether it's greeting the day with a sunrise over Castle Stalker or catching a glimpse of a white-tailed eagle, these tubs provide a special way to engage with the surrounding scenery.

Ideally situated for exploring the diverse landscapes of Appin—from its attractive coastlines to the towering Highland peaks—Stormhouse is conveniently positioned between the towns of Oban and Fort William. This makes it an excellent retreat for those looking to mix days of exploration with relaxation.

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