Dun na Cuaiche Watchtower — Inveraray, Scotland
Perched 248 metres above the town of Inveraray, the Dun na Cuaiche Watchtower offers one of the most striking viewpoints across the surrounding Highlands.
Built in 1756 as a decorative folly by the owners of Inveraray Castle, the tower was never intended for defence or residence. Its position was chosen with great care—not on the summit of the hill, but on the steep edge of its western face. This placement ensures that, when viewed from the castle or town below, the tower is perfectly silhouetted against the sky, creating a dramatic and iconic feature of the local landscape.
Over the centuries, the structure has withstood multiple lightning strikes yet remains steadfast, a resilient landmark watching over the loch and glen.
From its vantage point, visitors are rewarded with panoramic views of Inveraray, Loch Fyne, and the surrounding hills. On clear days, the vista stretches across distant peaks and snow-dusted forests, revealing the rugged beauty of Argyll and Bute.
The monument occupies an open hilltop near the site of an ancient Iron Age fort, linking modern architecture with Scotland’s deeper past. From here, the scene below is magnificent: Inveraray Castle lies far beneath, the town rests along the loch’s curve to the left, and Loch Fyne itself extends gracefully towards the horizon.
A walk to Dun na Cuaiche is both scenic and rewarding, combining history, landscape, and the enduring charm of one of Scotland’s most picturesque viewpoints.
