Castles of Clan MacLean

Duart Castle
Duart Castle on the Isle of Mull has been the ancestral seat of the Chiefs of Clan MacLean since the 14th century. Positioned on a rocky headland overlooking the Sound of Mull, it was built to guard vital sea routes and assert dominance in the Hebrides. The castle was abandoned after the Jacobite rising of 1745 and fell into ruin until it was restored by the clan in the early 20th century. Its massive curtain walls, four-storey keep, and restored interiors now make it one of the best-preserved and most recognizable clan strongholds in Scotland. Duart remains occupied by the current Chief and is open to the public.

Moy Castle
Moy Castle, near Lochbuie on Mull, was the seat of the MacLaines of Lochbuie, a cadet branch of Clan MacLean. Built in the 15th century, the four-storey tower house was strategically located near the coast and remained in family hands until the 18th century. The castle was eventually abandoned and partially collapsed, though its stone vaults and internal well are still visible. It was once the center of a significant branch of the clan. Today, the ruin is stabilized and visible from nearby trails.

Breachacha Castle
Breachacha Castle on the Isle of Coll consists of two castles: a 15th-century tower house and an adjacent 18th-century Georgian mansion. The old tower was the seat of the MacLeans of Coll and was held by the family through clan feuds and conflicts, including attacks by rival branches and the Campbells. It was restored in the 20th century by a MacLean descendant. The newer Breachacha Castle remains a private residence. The site shows the evolution of clan strongholds over time.

Ardgour House
Ardgour House, near Loch Linnhe, became the seat of the MacLeans of Ardgour in the 15th century. This cadet branch maintained independence longer than other branches, avoiding involvement in the Jacobite risings and retaining their estate. The current house, built in the 18th century, replaced earlier fortifications. It stands as a rare example of continuous family occupancy for over 500 years. Though sold in the 1990s, it still symbolizes MacLean heritage in Ardgour.

Kinlochaline Castle
Kinlochaline Castle, in Morvern, was acquired by the MacLeans in the late 15th century and used as a hunting lodge and stronghold. It is nicknamed “Castle of Butter” after a local legend that the lady of the castle paid the masons in butter equal in volume to the stone. The castle is a tall four-storey tower with walls up to ten feet thick. Restored in recent years, it is now a private home. It reflects the MacLeans’ influence in mainland Morvern.

Cairnburgh Castle
Cairnburgh Castle is a remote island fortress on the Treshnish Isles, formerly used by the MacLeans of Duart. Built across two small islets, it was a maritime fortress with separate towers and storerooms. The castle was repeatedly attacked but never successfully taken by force. It was abandoned in the 18th century. The ruins remain a dramatic sight on the Atlantic coast.

Ardtornish Castle
Ardtornish Castle in Morvern was once held by the Lords of the Isles and passed to the MacLeans in the early 16th century. The castle served as a base for administering MacLean lands in the region. It was eventually abandoned as the clan’s power declined. Today, only fragments of the original hall and walls remain. Its location offers sweeping views of the Sound of Mull.

Glensanda Castle
Glensanda Castle, also known as Castle Sanda, was a MacLean outpost in Morvern. Seized in the 15th century, it helped control the rugged inland territory. The tower sits on a high rock overlooking Loch Linnhe and is now a moss-covered ruin. It is only accessible by boat or a long hike. Though remote, it marks the MacLeans’ inland expansion.

Castle Loch an Eala
Castle Loch an Eala, on Tiree, was a small island fortress built or used by the MacLeans after they acquired the island. It was used as a garrison during clan conflicts, including during clashes with the Campbells. The site was abandoned after the MacLean loss of Tiree in the 17th century. The island now shows only foundation remains. It represents the westernmost extent of the clan’s holdings.

Dun Chonnuill Castle
Dun Chonnuill Castle in the Garvellachs was a maritime outpost of the MacLeans. The castle ruins crown a rocky islet and were used as a lookout and defense post. The hereditary title of Captain of Dun Chonnuill is still held by the MacLeans of Dunconnel. Though now a ruin, it symbolizes the clan’s seaborne reach. The site was active into the 17th century.

Castles Loosely Associated with Clan MacLean

Urquhart Castle
Urquhart Castle, on Loch Ness, was briefly held by the MacLeans of Dochgarroch in the late 15th century. The clan occupied the castle during a period of political unrest but lost it to the Crown by 1509. They remained tenants of nearby lands for a time. The castle is now a major historic site and visitor attraction. Though not retained by the clan, it represents their northern ambitions.

Mingary Castle
Mingary Castle, in Ardnamurchan, was briefly occupied by Lachlan Mor MacLean in the 1580s during a feud with the MacIains. MacLean’s siege of the castle involved gunpowder and reportedly help from Spanish troops. Though he did not hold it permanently, the event was a bold demonstration of MacLean power. The castle has since been restored. Its hexagonal plan and seaside location reflect its defensive role.

Dunyvaig Castle
Dunyvaig Castle on Islay was the seat of the MacDonalds of Dunnyveg, but it became entangled in a feud with the MacLeans in the 1580s. Lachlan Mor MacLean was captured here in a failed alliance with the MacDonalds. The event escalated clan warfare throughout the Western Isles. The castle is now a ruin, but its gatehouse and curtain walls survive. It remains a dramatic site of betrayal and power struggles.

Tarbert Castle
Tarbert Castle, on the Kintyre peninsula, was a royal fortress later linked to MacLean landholding in the 17th century. Though never a MacLean seat, the surrounding area briefly came under clan control. The site changed hands multiple times amid Campbell expansion. The castle’s ruins still overlook the harbor at Tarbert. Its strategic value made it a focal point of West Coast power.

References

Coventry, M. (2010). The Castles of Scotland (5th ed.). Musselburgh: Goblinshead.
Tabraham, C. (2005). Scotland’s Castles. London: Batsford.
Historic Environment Scotland. (n.d.). Castle Records and Listings.
Clan MacLean International. (n.d.). Historic Holdings of the Clan.
MacLean, J. P. (1915). A History of the Clan MacLean. Cincinnati: R. Clarke Co.
RCAHMS. (n.d.). National Monuments Record of Scotland.