Tarbert is a quaint, attractive village which serves as the gateway to the Kintyre Peninsula. It is home to a working fishing fleet, and is referred to as Tarbert Loch Fyne to distinguish itself from the other same-named places such as Tarbert on the Isle of Harris.
Tarbert is historically connected to the Lords of the Isles who ruled over this area for centuries. During the 13th century a fortified structure was built and in the 1320’s Robert the Bruce fortified it allegedly to protect it against the Lords of the Isles. The castle occupies high land above Loch Fyne. After Bruce’s death the stronghold of the MacDonalds of Islay sought to challenge Scottish royal authority. This led to raids against Tarbert Castle as the MacDonalds wanted control over the strategic lochside castle. The castle later fell into the hands of Clan Campbell who became its custodians in the 15th century. The Campbells used the castle to secure their influence over Argyll and beyond.
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