Mingary Bay is a nice anchorage when the wind is not in the south, and very well placed for wandering up to take a look at Mingary Castle rooted to its rock in an amazing position commanding the north entrance to the Sound of Mull and Loch Sunart. It was started in the 13th century and then altered in the 16th, 17th and again in the 18th centuries before falling into disuse in the mid 19th century, not so very long ago. Although it was besieged a few times, there was a lot of castle left, but for years it was not possible to get into it. However, the Ardnamurchan estate has now restored it very sensitively, at I imagine considerable expense, and turned it into a high-end restaurant with four bedroom suites. If you book ahead as a non-resident (ph 01972 614380) you can get dinner at £90 per person for an 8-course menu. Lunch rather less. And it really is excellent. Smart casual dress code, but they definitely welcome boaties, and it would be good if they laid a mooring for us although it is just about possible to anchor right under the castle in settled conditions and scramble ashore. Donald Houston acquired the estate in 1996 and clearly believes in supporting the local community, so very good news.
Surprisingly, in front of the entrance across the rock-cut ditch lying in the grass, there is — or was — a very large old cannon. Before that it had been spotted under the castle by the sea. Where did it come from? The castle or one of those Spanish Armada ships that was meant to have fetched up around here? It is now more suitably relocated on the castle terrace.
