What is recorded here

Cairnburgh Castle splits across two small islands at the northern edge of the Treshnish Isles, with chambers on one rock and a well on the other, making its defence depend on sea, cliff and distance rather than a single wall. First recorded in 1249 and tied to Clan MacDougall, it later passed through MacDonald and MacLean hands, survived James IV in 1504, fell to David Leslie in 1647, and was burned by Cromwell’s army, perhaps destroying manuscripts hidden there from Iona. The castle stood against the Campbells in 1679 but not in 1692, yet it remained useful enough to house government troops during the Jacobite risings of 1715 and 1745.

Cairnburgh Castle is shown as a castle on the public map of Argyll and Bute. The saved point is the map point or the centre of its mapped shape.

Cairnburgh Castle was built by the Clan Campbell in the 16th century. It is remembered as a strategic stronghold in the defense of Argyll and as a symbol of the clan's regional power.

This does not grant access. Check current paths, opening conditions and ownership before entering.