Cairnburgh Castle facts for kids

Cairnburgh Castle is an old, ruined castle found in Scotland. It sits on two small islands called Cairn na Burgh Mòr and Cairn na Burgh Beag. These islands are at the very top of the Treshnish Isles. They are near the mouth of Loch Tuath, north of Mull. People have called it "one of the most isolated fortifications in Britain." It is also considered "one of the strangest."

Castle Layout

What makes this castle special is how its defenses spread across both islands. The larger island, Cairn na Burgh Mòr, holds several important parts. These include a place for soldiers to sleep, a small church, a main courtyard, and a guard-house. The smaller island, Cairn na Burgh Beag, has another guard-house. It also has a well, which was very important for water.

Castle History

Early Beginnings (13th Century)

Cairnburgh Castle might have started as a Viking fortress. It was possibly known as Kiarnaborg. The castle is first mentioned in records in 1249. Over time, many different groups owned it.

In the 1200s, a story called the Hákonar saga Hákonarsonar talks about the castle. It says the castle belonged to an island king from the family of Somerled. Alexander III of Scotland wanted this castle from him. The Gazetteer for Scotland states that the Clan MacDougall owned the castle from 1249 to 1269. They were descendants of Somerled.

Later, the MacDougall clan supported John Balliol during the Wars of Scottish Independence. This was a big fight for Scotland's freedom. Because of this, the King of Scotland took control of the castle. For a short time, the Clan MacDonald held it. Eventually, it became the property of the Clan MacLean.

Conflicts (16th Century)

While the Clan MacLean owned Cairnburgh Castle, it saw many battles. However, it was very hard to attack. This was because steep cliffs surrounded it, making it a strong defense.

In 1504, James IV of Scotland attacked the castle. This happened because the MacLeans rebelled against him. They were supporting Domhnall Dubh, who was the chief of Clan Donald.

More Battles (17th Century)

The castle was briefly captured in 1647. This was during a time of big conflicts in Scotland. General David Leslie, Lord Newark took it for a short period.

About ten years later, Oliver Cromwell's New Model Army set the castle on fire. This fire likely destroyed many old writings. These writings had been brought to the castle for safety. They came from Iona after a law in 1561. This law called for the destruction of "Monuments of Idolatry."

In 1679, the castle successfully defended itself against the Clan Campbell. But it could not hold out when attacked again in 1692.

Later Years (18th Century)

The government used Cairnburgh Castle to house soldiers twice. This was during the Jacobite rising of 1715 and the Jacobite rising of 1745. These were times when people tried to bring back the old royal family.

In 1759, a writer named Isabella Kelly was born at the castle.