The earliest recorded occupation on the current site dates back to around the 6th century with a Saint Columbacell. Parts of this cell are still visible in the under-croft of the Chapel and under the main part of the castle. The medieval chapel, to the rear of the castle, was built in the 15th century.[2]
Between around 1737 and 1739, the castle was altered and enlarged by the erection of a new dwelling-house to the south-east of this earlier main building. In around 1818-20, the castle was remodelled again into a Georgian style manor house.[5] General Campbell reportedly spent £15,000 on an enlargement of the manor house.[6] In the 18th Century, a folly named Lady Margaret's Tower was constructed on the top of a nearby hill on the Lochnell Castle estate grounds.[7] The castle was damaged by a fire in the second half of the 19th century, but has since been mostly restored.[8] There is conflicting information about the dates of the fire with Cochrane Heritage stating that there was a fire in either 1859 or 1885,[8] whilst James Miller stated in his 1877 book that there was a fire in 1850.[6] The Ancient Yew Group states that there were at least two fires at Lochnell Castle but there could have also been a third fire.[9]
Lochnell Castle is situated near Bernera Island. In the 6th century, Bernera was settled by monks of the Irish Culdee church under the leadership of St. Moluag. Saint Columba used the island as a private place for retreat, meditation and prayer, and may have preached under (and possibly planted) a vast yew tree.[9] It is reported that this tree was felled by Sir Duncan Campbell of Lochnell prior to 1770. The wood from this yew tree was turned into a staircase for Lochnell Castle and it survived at least two fires at the castle.[9]
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