Aros Castle Isle of Mull... a brief history

About Aros Castle... a brief history

Looking out from the sitting room you can almost touch the ruins of Aros Castle. The MacDougall chiefs build this Castle in the 13th century to guard their land from marauding clans.

It was theirs for 400 years until the Campbell of Argyll took it, along with the MacDougall lands.

There have always been people living in and around the castle, brewsters [who made the beer], farriers, soldiers, cattlemen and along with these men their wives and children.

The boatmen were also here and below the cliff, looking towards Salen are the remains of a small harbour used by the castle.

With the castle went punishment for wrong doings, and standing tall within the old castle bounds is the hanging rock.

The castle became a ruin, but the land around was farmed. 1756 saw a Duncan Campbell renting the farm for £110 yearly. A head count held by the Duke of Argyll in 1779 showed 57 people living around the area now known as Aros Mains.

The Georgian part of the present house was built between 1770 and 1780 by the Duke of Argyll for James Maxwell, his Chamberlain. Maxwell moved into the "new house" in 1789 along with his wife and family. From then onwards there was a steady stream of 'tourists', all wishing to see the Treshnish Isles, Staffa, Ulva and Iona. They all wished to explore this 'wilderness' called Mull in the Hebrides.

Amongst the many who visited was one widowed lady of 60. Mrs Sarah Mull decided to tour. What is so incredible about Sarah was that she came alone, without a companion, or maid. Hiring horses and guides, many of whom were not able to speak English, she travelled from Aros Mains to Ulva. At one point her guide having taken the wrong pass over a hill. From all this came one of the first tourist guides to the Western Island and Scotland.

From that time to the present day many landowners have purchased and lived in the house you are in. Few living here for long, many just letting it to tenants. One owner Captain Farquhar Campbell built the pier and the hotel which is now the White House. In more recent years it became the property of the Forestry Commission and was their offices, and also flats for forestry workers who held holdings.

Finally it was sold again and eventually became our home.

So, as you relax in the upstairs sitting room remember that folk have been enjoying the view for at least 200 years.

Quick Site Links

Aros Mains Testimonials

Fantastic break from the rat race. Excellent views and places to visit.
Cameron Family, West Linton

A wonderfully welcoming apartment, ideally situated from which to explore and enjoy Mull. The flowers and scones were much appreciated!

Wow, what a treat, cosy, hot water, flowers, flagstones, artworks on the walls!
Lynn, Edinburgh

Wonderful accommodation, great location and fantastic hosts! We will be back for more adventures.
DuBoyce, Quebec

Our sixth visit and again, a week isn't long enough...
Richard, Oxfordshire

Wonderful host, wonderful place, wonderful views - scones to die for!
Bob & Julie, Hampshire

We had such a lovely time here, thank you Maggie and absolutely loved your hens eggs!
Sorchin, Malaysia

The freshly baked scones were a very welcome treat on our return from the beach!
Sonia and family

Your kindness, hospitality and a wonderful location made for a perfectly wonderful holiday.
Mogers, Texas

Thank you so much for such a comfy warm and beautiful home to stay in.
Mick & Julie, Suffolk

Wonderful! The cut flowers and tasty scones were very thoughtful and much appreciated. We'll be back!
Paul and Liz. London

The apartment was wonderful. We truly loved the wine and scones and fresh flowers in the rooms were a lovely touch. We both felt that this was a great location for touring the north and the south of Mull.
Pete, Oxfordshire

Lovely apartment and wonderful week - watched an otter from the window (with binoculars!) and very playful seals.
Helena & Mike

A thoroughly enjoyable week on this beautiful island. The apartment is lovely and is very well positioned to explore. We particularly enjoyed cycling on the trails in the forests, climbing Ben More and the trip to the Treshnish Isles.
Bensons, Hope Valley

Lovely week in beautiful surroundings. The apartment is a perfect base to spend a holiday. Thank you for your kind hospitality.
Alton Family

This was a fantastic place for a family reunion! Maggie was a wonderful hostess, loved the scones and mackerel!
Black family, Bo'ness

Thanks for the extremely comfortable, warm and spacious accommodation. We have been completely at home.
Andrew, Cardiff

We have thoroughly enjoyed these lovely facilities and particularly appreciated the Wi-Fi! Thank you for the warm welcome and helping us have such a wonderful holiday.
Diane & Neil, Scarborough

Had a great time in this wonderful cottage, 5 star service. Surrounding area wonderful as well - kids loved it. Fishing and wildlife fantastic and plenty to see and do.

A Lovely cottage, a warm welcome and a great location! We've thoroughly enjoyed our first visit to Mull and hope to be back soon to see the puffins!
Emma, Edinburgh

Had a brilliant holiday on Mull. Cottage was fantastic, so clean and homely (best holiday home i have ever stayed in). Shells on beach of Aros Castle are the best the two girls have collected. Scones were superb and enjoyed them sitting out in the sun!!
Wicks family, Peebles

Cottage was lovely and comfy with great views and the chickens were always around to give us a warm welcome when we stepped outside.
Rose family, S Wales

It was so good to come home to a cosy and welcoming cottage at the end of an autumn day - it made our holiday a great success.
Jack & Izzy, Prestwick

Very well thought out and cosy cottage with lovely surroundings which our 4 year old son really appreciated! The cottage was a fantastic base from which to explore Mull with plenty to do nearby too.
Michael & Maria