Castles of Clan MacNeil

Kisimul Castle
Kisimul Castle has been the ancestral seat of the MacNeils of Barra since at least the 15th century. Located on a small rocky islet in Castlebay off the Isle of Barra, it is often referred to as “the castle in the sea.” The castle consists of a large curtain wall enclosing a keep, a hall, a chapel, and a freshwater well, all surrounded by the sea. Abandoned in the 19th century and restored in the 20th, it remains the symbolic heart of Clan MacNeil. Today it is preserved by Historic Environment Scotland and accessible by boat.

Castle Sween
Castle Sween, on the eastern shore of Loch Sween in Argyll, was historically associated with the MacNeils of Gigha. They served as hereditary constables of the castle in the 15th and early 16th centuries under the Lords of the Isles. Thought to be one of Scotland’s oldest stone castles, it features thick curtain walls and later corner towers. It was the setting of a famous 15th-century Gaelic lament composed by Aithbhreac inghean Coirceadal for her husband, a MacNeill of Taynish. The ruins are now managed by Historic Environment Scotland.

Dùn Eibhinn (Colonsay)
Dùn Eibhinn is an ancient hillfort on the Isle of Colonsay that became the seat of the MacNeils of Colonsay after the 16th century. Built on a rocky knoll, the site offers panoramic views and shows traces of early fortifications. Originally a royal residence, it was later used by the Macfies and then the MacNeils after they took control of Colonsay. Though largely in ruins by then, it remained a symbol of authority. The MacNeils ruled Colonsay from this site until their influence declined in the 18th century.

Castles Loosely Associated with Clan MacNeil of Barra

Duart Castle
Duart Castle, on the Isle of Mull, was the seat of Clan MacLean and is connected to Clan MacNeil through alliances and feuds. In 1530, the MacLeans of Duart killed Niall MacNeill of Gigha, extinguishing that male line and contributing to the loss of Gigha by the MacNeils. The event sparked a long-standing feud and shaped the clan’s later history. The castle, perched dramatically on a headland, features a 13th-century curtain wall and a 14th-century keep. It has been restored and remains the seat of the MacLean chief.

Dunyvaig Castle
Dunyvaig Castle, located on the Isle of Islay, was historically a seat of the MacDonalds of Dunnyveg and played a role in MacNeil history during the 16th century. After the death of Niall MacNeill of Gigha, the island was seized by James MacDonald of Dunnyveg, who ruled from Dunyvaig. The castle became a center of conflict between the MacDonalds and MacNeils. Now a ruin, it features remnants of a gatehouse and courtyard atop a coastal promontory. It represents the turbulent clan politics of the Hebrides.

Edinburgh Castle
Edinburgh Castle is linked to Clan MacNeil through the 1610 imprisonment of Roderick MacNeil of Barra for piracy. Known as “Ruairidh an Tartair,” he was taken to Edinburgh after raiding English ships in defiance of King James VI. Though not owned by the clan, the episode marked a turning point as royal authority curbed the independence of Highland chiefs. The castle’s imposing presence atop Castle Rock made it a fitting prison for a seafaring chieftain. Roderick was later released, but the clan’s era of piracy was effectively over.

References

Coventry, M. (2010). The Castles of Scotland (5th ed.). Musselburgh: Goblinshead.
Tabraham, C. (2005). Scotland’s Castles. London: Batsford.
MacNeil, A. (1991). The MacNeils of Barra: A History of a Clan. Glasgow: Clan MacNeil Society.
Historic Environment Scotland. (n.d.). Castle Records and Listings.
Gifford, J. (2007). The Buildings of Scotland: Highlands and Islands. London: Yale University Press.
Watson, W. J. (1926). The History of the Celtic Place-Names of Scotland. Edinburgh: Birlinn.