Kisimul Castle

Kisimul Castle

Introduction

This evening I am posting information on Kisimul Castle which is located in the centre of Castlebay, Barra, Hebrides.

Kisimul Castle

Information on the castle

Key points:

  • Dates from 15th century.
  • Consists of a square tower with a curtain wall within which there is a hall, chapel and other buildings.
  • Inside are two artesian wells and a fish trap to provide resources in event of siege.
  • Abandoned from 1795 then sold to Colonel Gordon in 1838.
  • Purchased in he 1930s by Robert Lister MacNeil, an American who became the 45th Clan Chief. This gentleman restored the castle.
  • The current chief of Clan MacNeil is Roderick Wilson Macneil of Barra, The Macneil of Barra, Chief of Clan Niall and 26th of Barra, also Baron of Barra. The chief is a member of the Standing Council of Scottish Chiefs. The current chief, while a United States citizen, lives in Edinburgh, Scotland.
  • Clan MacNeil, also known in Scotland as Clan Niall, is a highland Scottish clan of Irish origin. According to their early genealogies and some sources they’re descended from Eógan mac Néill and Niall of the nine hostages. The clan is particularly associated with Barra, 
  • Access to the castle is via a short trip in an open boat.

This weaponry was used at the Battle of Culloden in 1746.

http://www.catswhiskerstours.com/uploaded_images/P1010181-772544.JPG

MacNeil heraldry.

Barra

The Isles of Barra and Vatersay are the most southerly inhabited islands in the Outer Hebrides and the most westerly in the U.K. White sandy beaches, beautiful scenery, a rich history and strong community spirit combine to make a top visitor experience.

The Caledonian MacBrayne ferry runs from Oban to Castlebay daily during the summer and 5 days a week during winter. To reach Barra by air and land on the beach runway visitors can travel daily from Glasgow Monday – Sunday. Visitors from Uist can avail of the car ferry from Eriskay to Ardmhorn which takes 30 minutes.

More information

Information on Scottish castles, Scottish islands and Scottish history can be found in Visitors’ Guide to Scotland. ISBN is 978-1-9161332-0-4. This book is also available via Kindle.


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