Ascog Castle

Ascog Castle, on the shores of Ascog Loch, dates back to the 15th century and was the ancestral home of the McInnes Lamonts, who provided an escort for the Chief’s galleys when they sailed from Cowal. Castle Ascog is one of two ancient Lamont strongholds.

The Lamonts of Ascog are on record in 1477 but there is indication that the square keep of the castle is of an earlier date. Castle Ascog was destroyed by the Campbells of Ormsary during the 1646 massacre, where over 100 clansmen were taken to Dunoon and either hanged or buried alive.

 

According to Royal charter of 1581 Robert Lamont of Ascog had to be present at three annual courts of justice in Kerry (the name given to the peninsula bordered by Loch Fyne on one side and the Kyles of Bute on the other terminating at Ardlamont point),as well as providing a galley to accompany the Chief on his flagship.

 

During the 17th.century another Robert of Ascog developed the castle.A loyal clansman he gave money to his clansmen and to the Laird for the purchase of weapons.The chief of the clan supported the Royalists and in 1646Roberts only son was involved in attacks on Campbell territory.

 

The Campbells retaliated and a fierce battle was fought for three days on the moor above Loch Ascog.The castle was well garrisoned and withstood the siege,but the Campbells,who had captured the Lamont Chief brought him to Castle Ascog and threatened to kill him unless they surrendered.

 

The castle and orchards were set on fire and the Ascog Lamonts were held captive in Toward Castle. Some were executed at Dunoon,where there is a memorial stone near the site of the old castle at Dunoon Robert,his son Patrick and brother Duncan were imprisoned.

 

Robert at Duntroon near Crinan…..Patrick at Carrick but later taken to Inveraray where it is said he was murdered and Duncans prison was near Castle Lachlan on Loch Fyneside where he was threatened with his death unless he signed over all his lands in Kames to the Campbells.

 

Castle Ascog which had been badly damaged by fire was never occupied again.

 

Rating: n/a

 

How to get there: Ardkinglas is situated at Millhouse near Portavadie

 

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