It might now be recognised as one of the most popular visitor destinations in the country, but although Inveraray Castle, ancestral home of the dukes of Argyll, has stood for more than two and a half centuries it was only 50 years ago this month that it opened its doors to the public for the first time. The bold step was taken by three-times-married Ian Douglas Campbell, the 11th duke since the title was awarded in 1701.

The present castle, a large classical mansion with corner towers and turrets, overlooking the town on the shores of Loch Fyne, was begun in 1744. It replaced a nearby fifteenth-century castle, home of Clan Campbell, but burned by the Marquis of Montrose in 1644.

Fire has also played a significant role in the history of the present castle. Designed by a London architect, the building work was supervised by William Adam and later his son John, but it had to be remodelled in 1877 following a fire.

Almost a century later, on Guy Fawkes night 1975, the

castle was almost engulfed by fire. Despite the best efforts of dozens of part-time firemen from Argyll, aided by colleagues from as far away as Clydebank and Dumbarton, almost (pounds) 1m worth of damage was caused to the castle and its priceless paintings, tapestries, and armour.

From the outset it was clear that neither the duke, nor local people who had formed a human chain to carry buckets of water to fight the blaze, would allow the castle to be destroyed.

Travelling the world to

raise the necessary funds

and completing the restoration are widely regarded as the most important legacy of Ian

Campbell, the 12th duke who died in 2001.

Although the castle is still the home of Toquhi, the 13th duke of Argyll, many of the rooms, with their French neo-classical decor, are open to the public from April to October. The main hall soars to the full height of the house and is decorated with a superb collection of weapons. Rob Roy McGregor's sporran and dirk handle are on view. Not surprisingly, since Clan Campbell members visit from all over the world, there is a clan room featuring, among other exhibits, the Clan Campbell genealogical tree which colourfully illustrates the many branches, large and small, of the clan.

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