Kisimul Castle

Kisimul Castle Details

Kisimul Castle, a ruined C15 tower and courtyard of the MacNeil family on a small island, possibly replacing earlier castle.

  • Access: Chargeable Public Access
  • Grid Reference: NL665979

Kisimul Castle is a small tower and courtyard occupying an island at the southern end of the isle of Barra in the Outer Hebrides. Dating to at least the 15th century, it has been extensively restored and is managed by Historic Environment Scotland – so it is open to the public, although you do need to catch a ferry to reach it!

The angled courtyard wall is consistent with a 13th century date, suggesting that it may have been founded under the aegis of the Lords of the Isles, who first came to dominate Barra in the mid 12th century. In the 15th century, Barra and the castle had been granted to the MacNeills, who may have occupied the island for some time before this as officers of the Macdonalds. It was certainly the MacNeills who founded the tower-keep and extended the buildings within the courtyard. Kisimul Castle was abandoned at about the end of the 16th century, and in ruins by 1795.

Official Historic Scotland page

HES Canmore database entry

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