Castles of Clan Morrison

Dùn Èistean
Dùn Èistean, located on a tidal sea stack off the coast of Ness, Isle of Lewis, was the traditional stronghold of the Morrisons of Ness. This rocky outpost served as a fortified refuge during clan warfare in the 16th century, particularly during feuds with the MacLeods of Lewis. While little remains of the original structures, archaeological investigations have uncovered building foundations, stone walls, and even a fresh-water pond. The islet is now connected to the mainland by a footbridge and is protected as a scheduled monument. Dùn Èistean is a key symbol of Clan Morrison’s identity and heritage in the Outer Hebrides.

Pabbay Castle
Pabbay Castle, in the Sound of Harris, was held by a cadet branch of Clan Morrison descended from Gilhemoire, the clan’s progenitor. Through marriage to the heiress of Clan Gow, the Morrisons acquired the island and became hereditary keepers of the castle. They also served as armorers to the MacLeods of Harris, under whose overlordship they operated. The castle later became a MacLeod refuge and was still active into the 16th century. Though in ruins today, it is remembered in the Morrison arms and motto, “Teaghlach Phabbay”—Family of Pabbay.

Bognie Castle (Conzie Castle)
Bognie Castle, near Huntly in Aberdeenshire, was built in the 1660s by the Morisons of Bognie, a branch that rose to prominence on the mainland. The four-storey tower stood in wooded parkland and was likely intended as a symbol of status rather than for defense. Interestingly, the family never took up residence in the castle, opting instead for nearby Frendraught House after marriage into the Crichton family. Today, Bognie stands as a tall, roofless ruin, overgrown but still striking. It reflects the Morison family’s shift from island warfare to landed gentry.

Frendraught House
Frendraught House, located in Forgue, Aberdeenshire, became a Morrison residence through marriage in 1676. George Morison of Bognie married Christian Crichton, Viscountess of Frendraught, bringing the estate into the family. The original medieval castle on the site was destroyed in a notorious fire in 1630, and a new manor house was completed in the mid-17th century. This house incorporated some of the original stonework, and later additions gave it a grand Georgian appearance. Fully restored, it is now a private residence reflecting the Morrison family’s baronial era on the mainland.

Castles Loosely Associated with Clan Morrison

Rodel (Isle of Harris)
Rodel, the seat of the MacLeods of Harris, played a key role in Morrison clan history during 16th-century feuds. After a series of retaliatory raids between the Morrisons and MacAulays, the Morrison chief was captured and imprisoned at Rodel. The tower of St. Clement’s Church, located at Rodel, may have served as the place of his confinement. The event marked a turning point in the clan’s history, leading to the decline of Morrison resistance in Harris. The site remains historically significant, with the church and tower still standing.

Dùn Chàrlabhaigh (Dun Carloway Broch)
Dun Carloway Broch, on the west side of Lewis, is a prehistoric fort linked to a 17th-century Morrison legend. After stealing cattle from the MacAulays, a group of Morrisons took refuge in the broch. Donald Cam MacAulay reportedly smoked them out by tossing burning heather into the structure. The broch was partially demolished but remains one of the best-preserved in Scotland. Its story ties it to the fierce inter-clan feuding of the Hebrides.

References

Coventry, M. (2010). The Castles of Scotland (5th ed.). Musselburgh: Goblinshead.
Tabraham, C. (2005). Scotland’s Castles. London: Batsford.
MacLeod, R. (2008). Highlanders: A History of the Gaels. Edinburgh: Birlinn.
Historic Environment Scotland. (n.d.). Castle Records and Listings.
RCAHMS. (n.d.). National Monuments Record of Scotland.
Clan Morrison Society. (n.d.). Clan History and Heritage Resources.