From the 13th century or earlier, Tarbert Castle guarded the anchorage in the bay below, and controlled the land link between East and West Lochs. It has been a Royal Castle since at least 1292, when it was granted to John Balliol by Edward I of England. In 1325 Robert the Bruce enlarged and fortified the Castle to protect it from attack by the Lords of the Isles, and in the 16th century a towerhouse was added, which today, is the most prominent part of the surviving structure.

The impressive ruin has recently been conserved by the local community and the grounds are grazed by a flock of Hebridean sheep. A new interpretation trail guides visitors around the site.

]]>