Australia: The Land Where Time Began
Lochranza Castle, Isle of Arran, Scotland
Situated near the village of Lochranza, the name derives from its position on Loch Ranza. The original castle was built by the MacSweens before 1261. In 1262 it was given to Walter Stewart, Earl of Menteith. It is believed that Robert the Bruce landed in Lochranza when he returned from Ireland in 1306 prior to his bid for the Scottish Crown. In 1371 it was in the possession of Robert II of Scotland, grandson of Robert the Bruce.
During the 1490s it was used as a base by James IV, to attack The MacDonalds, Lords of the Isles. It was later occupied by James VI and also by Cromwell in the 1650s. As a result of a loan foreclosure it became the property of the Hamiltons in 1751.
It has been unoccupied sine the late 18 th century, and whereas the original castle was a defensive structure facing the loch, it is now a tower house facing Lochranza village. It is normally locked, but the key can be obtained from Lochranza Stores.
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