Kisimul Castle
Location: Castlebay, Isle of Barra HS9 5UZ
Telephone: 01871 810313
Kisimul Castle on Barra (Caisteal Chiosmuil, ‘castle of the rock of the small bay’) is testament to the nature of Gaelic lordship in the Middle Ages. It is the only significant surviving medieval castle in the Western Isles, seat of the Chiefs of Clan Macneil.
The castle dates essentially from the 15th century. It takes the form of a three-storey tower house. This formed the residence of the clan chief. An associated curtain wall fringed the small rock on which the castle stood, and enclosed a small courtyard in which there are ancillary buildings. These comprised a feasting hall, a chapel, a tanist’s (heir’s) house and a gokman’s (watchman’s) house. Most were restored in the 20th century, the tanist’s house serving as the family home of the Macneils. A well near the postern gate is fed with fresh water from an underground seam. Outside the curtain wall, beside the original landing-place, are the foundations of the crew house, where the sailors manning their chief’s galley had their quarters.
To get to the castle, you’ll need to take a short boat trip!
Offer for YAC Pass holders:
Free entry with a valid YAC Pass Card when accompanied by a paying adult