Little Cumbrae Castle

Little Cumbrae Castle is a small square castle located on Castle Island, a small tidal island off the east coast of Little Cumbrae in the Firth of Clyde. The castle was built by Lord Eglinton in the 16th century, possibly as a base to prevent deer and rabbit poaching. The castle has a rich history, with possible previous use by King Robert the Bruce’s daughter, Marjorie Bruce and her husband, Walter Stewart. In the 16th century, Robert Boyd of Badinhaith planned to build a harbour on the island, but the plan was met with resistance from local families and ultimately failed. The castle was also occupied by Cromwell’s troops during the English Civil War, and was used as a refuge for those fleeing Cromwell’s forces. The castle is designated as a scheduled monument.