What is recorded here

Castle Sween is a ruined stone fortress on the Argyll coast, built around 1140 by Suibhne the Red to guard his galleys in the sea lochs. The castle changed hands repeatedly, passing from MacSweens to MacDonalds, Campbells, and royal favourites before Alaisdair MacColla destroyed it in the 1640s. Today its broken walls and kiln platforms still stand where the loch light moves across them, keeping the shape of every claim made against it.

Scotland's National Record of the Historic Environment records Castle Sween as Building (period Unassigned), Kiln(s) (period Unassigned), Platform(s) (period Unassigned). The official map says its point is accurate as follows: NGR given to the nearest 10m. The record does not by itself mean that the public may enter the place.

Built by the Clan Sween, a Norse-Gaelic family, in the 13th century, Castle Sween is one of the oldest stone castles in Scotland. It is historically significant as a key stronghold in the struggle between the Scottish crown and the Lordship of the Isles.

The historic-place record does not grant public access. Check current conditions and ownership before entering land or a building.