The ruins of the enigmatic Aros Castle, constitute a prominent landmark on the west coast of the Sound of Mull, occupying a strategically important position on a flat-topped promontory. Once the stronghold of the Lords of the Isles, Aros Castle today consists of a ruined hall house clogged with fallen masonry on its ground floor and an overgrown courtyard. At this time of year it is very much overgrown and difficult to access though there are paths through the thick vegetation. I visited this site two years ago in the spring on a cloudy and foggy day and so found it much different today in bright sun and much more overgrown than it had been in the spring. It is thought to have been built by the MacDougall Lords of Lorn in the 13th century. By the 14t century it was in the possession of the Lords of the Isles. The castle was protected by a steep drop to the beach, and a ditch and wall on the landward side, not readily apparent today. After the forfeiture of the Lords in 1493 the castle was acquired by the MacLeans of Duart. Duart Castle also sits on Mull and is visible from the ferry as it makes its way up the Sound of Mull. A restored castle, Duart is occupied by the current Chief of Clan MacLean and is open to visitors as well. The Macleans came into possession of Duart Castle in the 14th century when Mary Macdonald, daughter of John of Islay, Lord of the Isles, married Lachlan Lubanach Maclean, the 5th Chief of Clan Maclean. Duart Castle was part of her dowry and has been the seat of Clan MacLean for over 700 years.
