Wee Guides to Scotland
Kiessimul Castle, Barra
Goblinshead
 130 Inveresk Rd
Musselburgh
EH21 7AY
SCOTLAND
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Kiessimul Castle consists of curtain wall shaped to fit the island on which it stands, enclosing a keep, hall and other ranges of buildings. Although Clan MacNeil claim descent from Neil of the Nine Hostages, High King of Ireland at the end of the 4th century, the first to settle in Scotland seems to have been Hugh, King of Aileachh and Prince of Argyll. His son, 21st in descent, was called Neil of the Castle, and built a stronghold here in 1030, or so it is claimed. The castle was besieged several times during clan battles. The family was forced to sell Barra to the Gordons of Cluny in 1840, but the castle was bought back in 1937, and restored in the 1950s and 60s.
Directions: Off A888 S of Castlebay, Barra.
Ownership: Pri/LA 01871 810449 Ord. Survey Map Ref: NL 665979 31
Open: Open April to October Monday, Wednesday & Saturday afternoons - wind and tide permitting. Open at other times by arrangement.
Key: text Click Here for explanation of Key and other abreviations

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email:goblinshead@sol.co.uk

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