Inveraray (pop. 490) makes a good base for tours of the southern and western Highlands. Situated on the banks of Loch Fyne and surrounded by wooded hillsides, the town was the setting for several novels by Sir Walter Scott (a great admirer of Inveraray Castle), for stories by Robert Louis Stevenson and for works by the local poet Neil Munro.
A tour of Argyllshire's old and new jail is well worth the time. The old premises have been converted into a museum and the exhibits document in an unusual way the history of Scottish crime from the 16th to the 19th C. The old courthouse contains life-size models of well-known criminal figures during their trials, while displays in the tiny bare cells recount the crimes of the former prisoners.
Address: Argyllshire Jail, Church Square, Inveraray PA32 8TX, Scotland
Hours:
April 1 to October 31: 9:30am-6pm
November 1 to March 31: 10am-5pm
Always closed on: New Year's Day (January 1), Christmas - Christian (December 25), Day after Christmas, St Stephen's Day, Boxing Day (December 26)
Tips: Last admission one hour before closing.
Disability Access: Partial facilities for persons with disabilities.
This very traditional looking castle features four cone capped, round corner towers. The interior features period furnishings, a weapons collection, and family portraits.
The origins of this garden were that of rhododendrons that still grow here today. A wide number of rare plants can be found in Crarae Garden. There are also waterfalls and panoramic views over Loch Fyne.
Address: Crarae Garden, Crarae PA32 8YA, Scotland
Hours:
April 1 to October 31: 10am-5pm; Closed: Tue, Wed
Tips: Garden, all year, daily 9.30-sunset.
Parking: Free
Disability Access: Partial facilities for persons with disabilities.
A visit to Glen Shira and the ruins of Rob Roy's birthplace makes a pleasant excursion. The River Shira, a popular haunt for trout fisherman, rises on Benn Bhuide (3,106ft/947m). It opens out into Loch Dubh just before reaching Loch Fyne.
Minard Castle on the north bank of the picturesque Loch Fyne (14mi/22.4km south of Inveraray) dates from the 16th century. Paintings associated with the Scottish and French royal families are displayed here.
The "Arctic Penguin" is moored by the old pier. This three-masted schooner, launched in Dublin in 1911, has been converted into a museum and its displays deal primarily with maritime travel on the west coast of Scotland.
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Auchindrain Old Village (Auchindrain Township Open Air Museum)
