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Wikipedia, Eilean Dearg, Loch Ruel

Islet

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What is recorded here

Eilean Dearg in Loch Riddon held a medieval castle controlling the sea approach into Cowal. The stronghold passed through regional lordship before becoming involved in the Earl of Argyll's failed rising against James VII in 1685. Government forces destroyed the castle with gunpowder, leaving broken walls and rubble across the small red island.

What this place is

Eilean Dearg is a small rocky island containing the low ruins of a medieval castle at a strategic meeting of sea channels.

People and events

Local lords held the castle, Argyll's supporters used it during the 1685 rising, and government forces destroyed it after the rebellion failed.

How it was used

The stronghold watched vessels entering Loch Riddon, sheltered a small garrison and stored supplies in a naturally defended position.

What survives

Shattered wall lines, foundations, fallen masonry and traces of the enclosed castle remain spread across the island's upper ground.

Why it mattered

Eilean Dearg mattered because control of a tiny island guarded Cowal's waterways and its violent destruction records the failed Argyll Rising.

Sources for this account

Sources checked 16 August 2026.

From OpenStreetMap (© OpenStreetMap contributors) w4003260

Places near here

Picture notes
  • Nick Ray, Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 2.0
  • Elliott Simpson, Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 2.0
  • Richard Webb, Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 2.0
  • Thomas Nugent, Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 2.0
  • Computer-made picture. It does not show this monument.
  • Computer-made picture. It does not show this mountain top.
  • Andrew McIntosh, Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 2.0
  • Simon Leatherdale, Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 2.0
Eilean Dearg, Loch RuelCastle (medieval), Chapel (medieval), Fort (possible), Vitrified Stone, Scraper (tool) (flint) · 17 yd

Explorer Tom Eilean Dearg, Loch Ruel in Argyll and Bute has a castle, chapel, fort, vitrified stone, and a flint scraper all packed on one island. It’s cluttered. Take a picture of the mess before it drowns itself.

Port An EileinHead Dyke (post Medieval), Township · 380 yd

Explorer Tom Port An Eilein has caught my eye in Argyll and Bute. I bet a head dyke (post medieval), township (period unassigned) with a name like that could keep me talking all afternoon; I'm already inventing a daft little scene for it, and I'll stop before it turns into history.

KinlochruelHouse · 533 yd

Explorer Tom Kinlochruel has caught my eye in Argyll and Bute. I bet a house (period unassigned) with a name like that could keep me talking all afternoon; I'm already inventing a daft little scene for it, and I'll stop before it turns into history.

Tighnabruaich ViewpointViewpoint · 970 yd

Explorer Tom Tighnabruaich Viewpoint has caught my eye in Argyll and Bute. I bet a viewpoint with a name like that could keep me talking all afternoon; I'm already inventing a daft little scene for it, and I'll stop before it turns into history.

Kyles of Bute Nsa, A8003 North of Tighnabruaich, Nts ViewpointGeneral View (21st Century) · 971 ydComputer-made picture

Explorer Tom Kyles of Bute Nsa, A8003 North of Tighnabruaich, Nts Viewpoint has caught my eye in Argyll and Bute. I bet a general view (21st century) with a name like that could keep me talking all afternoon; I'm already inventing a daft little scene for it, and I'll stop before it turns into history.

Rubha BreacCup Marked Stone (prehistoric), Knocking Stone (post Medieval) · 1112 ydComputer-made picture

Explorer Tom Rubha Breac has caught my eye in Argyll and Bute. I bet a cup marked stone (prehistoric), knocking stone (post medieval) with a name like that could keep me talking all afternoon; I'm already inventing a daft little scene for it, and I'll stop before it turns into history.

Creagan DubhMountain / peak · 1490 ydComputer-made picture

Explorer Tom Creagan Dubh has caught my eye in Argyll and Bute. I bet a mountain / peak with a name like that could keep me talking all afternoon; I'm already inventing a daft little scene for it, and I'll stop before it turns into history.

Eilean DubhIsland · 1534 yd

Explorer Tom Eilean Dubh has caught my eye in Argyll and Bute. I bet a island with a name like that could keep me talking all afternoon; I'm already inventing a daft little scene for it, and I'll stop before it turns into history.

Loch RiddonBay · 1745 yd

Explorer Tom Loch Riddon has caught my eye in Argyll and Bute. I bet a bay with a name like that could keep me talking all afternoon; I'm already inventing a daft little scene for it, and I'll stop before it turns into history.

A' ChruachMountain / peak · 1.0 miComputer-made picture

Explorer Tom A' Chruach has caught my eye in Argyll and Bute. I bet a mountain / peak with a name like that could keep me talking all afternoon; I'm already inventing a daft little scene for it, and I'll stop before it turns into history.

Eilean MòrIslet · 1.5 mi

Explorer Tom Eilean Mòr has caught my eye in Argyll and Bute. I bet a islet with a name like that could keep me talking all afternoon; I'm already inventing a daft little scene for it, and I'll stop before it turns into history.

Rubha a' BhodaichHeadland · 2.0 mi

Explorer Tom Rubha a' Bhodaich has caught my eye in Argyll and Bute. I bet a headland with a name like that could keep me talking all afternoon; I'm already inventing a daft little scene for it, and I'll stop before it turns into history.

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