Venue Description

A boat will ferry you to one of Scotland's oldest castles, where Mary Queen of Scots spent a traumatic year. Probably built in the early 1300s, it was said to have been visited by Robert the Bruce during the Wars of Independence. Seats on the passenger boat are limited, so we recommend booking in advance to guarantee entry. 29 Mar to 30 Sept: Daily, 10am to 4.30pm (last outward sailing 3.30pm) 1 to 31 Oct: Daily, 10am to 4pm (last outward sailing 3.15pm) 1 Nov to 28 Mar: Closed

Accessibility

Approach to site The castle is on an island. Visitors must be able to climb into and out of a boat. Visitor Centre The visitor centre is on the mainland and has step-free access over gravel. Monument The piers on the island rise and fall with water levels and can be slippery. The castle is about 30m from the pier up a grass slope. This can be very muddy in wet weather. The courtyard is grass and gives access to all the ranges on the ground floor. The Glassin tower and bottle dungeon are through a narrow doorway. The first floor and second floors of the main tower, which include the room where Mary Queen of Scots was held captive, are accessed up a modern wooden stairway. The steps have open backs and there are railings on either side.

Access Statement

Access Statement Link: http://www.historicenvironment.scot/access

Toilets

Toilets There is an adapted toilet on the mainland, in the Boathouse Bistro beside the pier. Toilets are available on the island, down 5 wooden steps with a handrail.

Staff

Information about the staff has not been added for this venue.