“They knew what they were doing when they built this place…”

From the Jacobite uprising to a luxury, award-winning  Highland Country House Hotel – this fascinating old building has witnessed Scotland's history unfold.

Kilcamb Lodge is purported to be one of the oldest stone houses in Scotland, dating back to the 1700's. Most buildings of the time were made of wood and have long since disappeared. The word "Kil" in Gaelic means Church but the only link with the church comes from "The List of Ancient Monuments and Historic Buildings in the Parish of Ardnamurchan 1745", where it is referred to as "Old Church and Barracks, Kilcamb, Strontian" Possibly it was used as a place of worship as well as a military stronghold. The church window on the landing here has nothing to do with this part of Kilcamb's history however. The window we see today was transported here much later in history, from a nearby church by a Minister who once lived at Kilcamb. He had the window fitted into the house simply because he liked it!

!745 was the time of the uprising led by Bonnie Prince Charlie and at this time it is documented that Kilcamb was a Barracks used by the military engaged in seeking out those loyal to the Prince. The Moat-like mound surrounding the frontage to Loch Sunart offers testament to this fact and was most likely dug out by the troops to offer additional protection and cover. Some 600 troops are believed to have camped here.

The Legend of "The Soldiers Grave"
The Legend claims that the Sergeant in charge of the Barracks here at Kilcamb, found himself in financial difficulties and misappropriated his soldier's wages in order to pay his debts. He was found hanged - some say he took his own life - others that he was murdered. Although his grave is clearly defined on many of the old maps (approximately half way between the House and the Bathing House) and despite numerous searches over the years, it has never been found to this day.

Kilcamb Lodge has seen many changes since the 18th Century. It has been the home of an Admiral, a Church Minister and a Schoolteacher as well as a Hunting Lodge for the landed gentry. Kilcamb back then would not have had the two imposing stone wings to the West and East. These were added in Victorian times. The house was then transformed as only the Victorians could, into a fine and much larger home. It must have been an impressive sight in those days when twelve gardeners tended the grounds. The Bathing House is a typical if rather frivolous Victorian "folly" but it was indeed used by the Victorian owners of Kilcamb whose servants lit roaring fires inside and supplied hot water and towels to welcome guests returning from bathing in Loch Sunart. The fireplace and stout walls remain today as testament to its Victorian builders.

Immediately after World War II, Dr Fraser Darling resided here at Kilcamb where he wrote the widely acclaimed "West Highland Survey" Some of his books, with references to Kilcamb, can be found on the shelves in the Drawing Room.

It was not until 1960 that Kilcamb became a hotel.

Today, under the proud ownership of Sally & David Ruthven-Fox, it is without doubt that Kilcamb Lodge will continue to prosper and offer warm and welcoming hospitality to all those fortunate enough to enter its doors and sample the special atmosphere of this lovely Highland retreat.