A forgotten castle dating back more than 800 years has been uncovered – and experts believe it was once home to kings.
Archaeologists say the medieval fortress at Finlaggan, on Islay, may have belonged to rulers who controlled vast parts of western Scotland, including the Hebrides, Argyll and the north-west Highlands.
The stronghold sat across two tiny islands in Loch Finlaggan, with a stone tower keep on one and courtyards, kitchens, workshops, homes, a chapel and even a great feasting hall on the other.
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It later became the power base of the Lords of the Isles – mighty MacDonald clan chiefs who treated English and Scottish monarchs as equals and were serious rivals to the Stewart dynasty.
Archaeologists believe the rectangular tower, similar to those found at Carlisle and Bamburgh in England, was built to showcase wealth and power in the 12th or 13th century.
But it was later dismantled, possibly after collapsing or being attacked, as reported by Need To Know.
Dr David Caldwell, author of a new book published with the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland, said: “I am privileged to have led a skilled and dedicated team of specialists and volunteers on such an important project on a key place of national significance.
“The processing of all the data that was gathered has been a major part of my life since the 1990s, and I hope I have not only provided an account of interest but also a basis for others to carry out more research in the future.”
Finlaggan went on to serve as the palace of the Lords of the Isles during the 14th and 15th centuries, from where they launched raids across mainland Scotland – even targeting Urquhart Castle on Loch Ness.
Dr Helen Spencer, of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland, said: “Our mission is to share knowledge of the past as widely as possible – and Finlaggan is a hugely important part of Scotland’s story.”
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