Highland Mary (Bonnie Mary 'O' Argyll)

Mary Campbell (Highland Mary) was born in a straw thatched cottage on Auchamore Farm, Dunoon in 1764.

She has my heart, she has my hand.

By secret troth and honours band.

Till the mortal stroke shall lay me low

I'am thine, my Highland Lassie O'.

Robert Burns.

Toward castle south of Dunoon belonged to the Clan lamont who owned the castle from 1200.  The castle was visited by Mary Queen of Scots in 1563.

In 1646 during the civil war, after the defeat of the Campbells by the MacDonalds led by James Graham (Montrose) at Inverlochy the year before.  The Campbells captured and burnt the castle because the Lamonts had supported the MacDonalds.

The Campbells told the Lamonts they could go free if they surrendered, which they did and where massacred by the Campbells.

Toward Castle

Kilmun Church

Kilmun church was built in 1422, by Sir Duncan Campbell, clan chief and was the burial ground for the Earls of Argyll 

Dunoon Castle

Dunoon castle is located on the mound situated behind the statue of Highland Mary. Little remains of this castle which was one of the earliest stone castles in Scotland, dating from the 12th century.

It originally belonged to the Lamont family, but became a royal castle when the Earls of Argyll (Campbells) became the keepers, having only to pay a nominal rent of a red rose.

The castle was destroyed during the rebellion in 1685 when Atholl burned and slaughtered his way through Argyll.

Pucks Glen

This is one of the most famous walks on the Cowal Peninsula.  The impression you get when you enter the glen is of an enchanted place. The path is marked and the steep narrow gorge with its stream, pools and waterfalls all of which are spanned by wooden bridges is worth seeing. 

Benmore Botanical Gardens 

Located on the A815, 7 miles North of Dunoon. Very large gardens, with dramatic scenery all around.  Over 250 species of rhododendron and some of the tallest trees in Britain. A must see is the avenue of giant redwoods, some of which were planted in 1863 and are over 40 metres high.

Morags Fairy Glen

The glen is located on the road to Inellan, opposite the childrens play area at the far end of the West Bay. The Berry Burn flows through the mile and half long glen, with its waterfalls and pools.