19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The National
Family-run cafe overlooking famous Scottish castle closes suddenly
Castle Stalker View Cafe and Giftshop closed their doors for good at the start of May, according to local reports.
The venue was popular with locals and tourists as its terrace offered 'stunning' views of Loch Linnhe, the Islands of Mull and Lismore.
Along with its loch views, the cafe was popular with those visiting Castle Stalker, a four-storey tower house, located midway between Oban and Glen Coe.
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The Scottish landmark name originates from the Gaelic 'Stalcaire,' which means hunter or falconer, and is a fortified building dating from 1320 and belonging to the MacDougalls.
It is also well known as Castle Aaaaaaargh from the cult classic movie Monty Python and the Holy Grail.
(Image: Supplied)
The cafe offered a selection of food including homemade scones, paninis and burgers, and also boasted a panoramic gift shop which sold jewellery, childrens' clothing and toys along with knitwear and pictures.
Google indicates the business is now permanently closed, with the Castle Stalker View Cafe and Gift Shop's Facebook page also being taken down.
On social media, one person who claimed to have worked at the cafe said the business closed its doors for good on Sunday, May 4.
They said: 'I'm sorry to say, but both the cafe and shop are closed. I was working there in the shop and our last day of trading was Sunday, 4th May.
'All staff very upset to see it close as a lovely atmosphere to work in. Hoping that it might open again but we just don't know.'
People flooded the comments of the post to share their disappointment that the business had closed, as one person said: 'So very sad as it was a great place to visit and the restaurant was so good, will miss going there.
They added: 'Hope someone else will open it again soon.'
While a second person said: That's awful, this was a great cafe, and staff were lovely, so sad they have had to close and staff losing their jobs.
'Hopefully someone buys it and gets it up and running again.'
A third person added: 'Sad news.'
