Description:

The ruins are still quite substantial, including courtyard with the foundations of buildings, a tower and most interesting of all, the vaulted basement hidden beneath.

In 1646 King Charles was beaten and sought refuge in Scotland. The Campbells, who had been against King Charles's policies, took it on themselves to lay siege to Toward Castle and Asgog Castle. At Castle Toward the Campbell's asked for hospitality, which was given, according to custom, and then slaughtered the Lamont's in their beds (sounds all very familiar!) finally throwing bodies down the well to poison the water should they have missed anyone. Sir James Lamont surrendered after accepting fair terms for his people, but the Campbell's then slaughtered over two hundred of Lamont's men, women and children. Elsewhere, one tree was said to have carried thirty five bodies from its branches, and another thirty six men were buried alive. This event became known as the Dunoon massacre. The two Lamont castles were set alight and razed. Sir James Lamont was thrown into a dungeon at Dunstaffnage Castle, where he was to stay for five years.

Sir John's sister Isobel managed to escape, luckily with the written surrender document, and eventually managed to present her story and proof before the King. This among other crimes resulted in the Marquis of Argyll ultimately being executed for his crimes in Edinburgh 1661.

In 1663 Sir John had his lands restored but the castles were left to ruin as they still stand today.