Inveraray is a
Gothic mansion of 1743-70, designed by Roger Morris. William and Robert Adam were also
involved at a later date. The castle replaced an older baronial building, which was
demolished. Inveraray was altered in 1877-8 following a fire, when the candle-snuffer
roofs were added to the corner turrets, and the central tower was raised in the middle of
the four square block. Often described as architecturally disappointing, the castle is
nevertheless typical of its time.
The castle’s interior
outshines its exterior. Only one half of it is open to the public – the rooms on the
north west front. These are sumptuously furnished, with fine tapestries, paintings,
furniture, china, wood carving and plasterwork, some of which was by Robert Adam. The
armoury hall’s walls are covered with guns and pikes. The State Dining Room has
exquisite painted panels on the walls and ceilings, which is the work of French artists.
Other rooms include the saloon, gallery, Victorian room, drawing room, and MacArthur
bedroom. One room is dedicated to the history and genealogy of the Campbell clan. The
kitchen has a fine display of copper utensils.
Inveraray has been the seat of
the Dukes of Argyll ever since it was built, and it is still lived in by the present Duke.
The grounds are extensive, and contain the Combined Operations Museum. |
