Scottish Castles Association

Finlarig as it was

Finlarig - as it in the present day

Finlarig stands on a mound hidden by trees just outside the village of Killin in Perthshire. It is totally neglected.

There may have been an earlier castle on the site but the present building dates from 1609. It was probably built on the Z-plan, the tower at the NW angle having since been demolished. It was garrisoned in the 18th century but after the '45 was allowed to fall into ruin.

When taking these photographs a local solemnly informed me that the rectangular pit which lies out-side the castle walls (a water tank) was a ‘beheading pit’. If I had a pound for every time I have heard this fiction I would be a rich man!

In Edwardian times the castle was part of a landscaped garden but this has long gone to seed. 

Article by SCA member Brian McGarrigle