You can tell this castle meant business by the trapdoor by the front door which sent unwanted guests direct to a prison pit which had no other exit. This trap wasn't enough to protect the castle from English raiders of marauding Campbells, and additions to the castle's 1508 original structure were added after it was sacked in 1538. These days the castle is far more welcoming, complete with potentially crackling fireplace, room to sleep eight in single, double and twin rooms, powerful central heating, a dishwasher, a spiral staircase and lots of crockery and cutlery (so you're not always having to wash up.).

Another of Saddell's claims to fame was appearing in Paul McCartney's 'Mull of Kintyre' music video. Outside of the grounds there are further attractions, most notably the grave of Somerled – the first lord of the MacDonald Clan - Saddell Abbey, some of the stones from the original abbey were used in the construction of the castle, Saddell Bay, Pluck Wood and the remains of an Iron Age fort.

Written by  Jemima Jones.

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