Torosay Castle

Torosay Castle, a grand Victorian mansion completed in 1858, stands as a prominent example of Scottish Baronial architecture near Craignure on Mull. While not an ancient fortress in the same vein as Duart, it represents a significant chapter in the island’s more recent history, reflecting the tastes and ambitions of Victorian landowners who transformed the Hebridean landscape. Its imposing structure, with turrets, battlements, and a picturesque setting, captures the romantic spirit of the era.

For many years, Torosay Castle was a beloved visitor attraction, particularly renowned for its magnificent gardens and the scenic narrow-gauge railway that connected it to the ferry terminal at Craignure. Although it has since returned to private ownership and is no longer generally open to the public, its presence remains a significant part of Mull’s visual and historical fabric. Glimpses of the castle can still be enjoyed from surrounding public footpaths, offering a sense of its grand scale and Victorian elegance.

The legacy of Torosay Castle continues to intrigue, embodying a period of architectural revival and landscape design that shaped many Scottish estates. Its story is one of private ambition, public engagement, and ultimately, a return to a more secluded existence, yet its image remains etched in the memories of those who experienced its past glories.