AN IMPOSING ruin in the Ochils is set to re-open tomorrow to welcome visitors once again.

Castle Campbell and Gardens will re-open on Saturday, July 22, giving people the opportunity to explore one of Scotland’s best-preserved tower house castles.

Originally called Castle Glume, the structure was originally built in the early 1400s before Colin Campbell, 1st Earl of Argyll, took it over in 1465, renaming it two decades later.

The re-opening comes after access restrictions were put in place at the start of last year as a safety precaution while Historic Environment Scotland (HES), which manages the site, introduced measures to manage the impact of climate change on it assets.

Indeed, the castle and surrounding land are the latest of a series of sites to re-open following inspections and necessary repairs to the masonry.

Craig Mearns, director of operations at HES, said: “We are delighted to re-open Castle Campbell and Gardens to the public.

“Our teams have been hard at work ensuring that visitors are able to experience the beautiful tower house castle, one of the finest in Scotland.

“Visitors can also get onto the top of the tower to admire the surrounding views.

“Castle Campbell marks the latest of a series of sites we have been able to re-open this season, including Linlithgow Palace and Tantallon and Dirleton castles among others.

“We are excited to welcome visitors back to so many iconic sites across Scotland.”

When first constructed, the then Castle Glume consisted of a 20-metre-tall tower with four floors of accommodation.

A two storey range across the courtyard, modelled on the royal lodging in Stirling Castle built for James IV, was latter added by the Campbells.

Several famous people visited the castle in the 16th and 17th centuries, including John Knox, the Calvinist preacher who led the Reformation of 1560 and who preached at the castle just a few years before that.

Mary Queen of Scots visited in 1563. The Campbells eventually moved their stronghold to Argyll’s Lodging in 1660.

Castle Campbell will be open seven days a week until September 30, from 9.30am with last entry at 5pm for a 5.30pm close.

People are encouraged to book before visiting at tinyurl.com/4uwty4jn.