Borve Castle

Borve Castle is a rectangular fortress ruin on Benbecula in the Outer Hebrides, standing about 9 meters tall with walls roughly 2.75 meters thick. The structure features multiple timber floors above a basement level, whose original foundation now lies buried beneath sand and collapsed masonry.

The fortress was built between 1344 and 1363 by Amie mac Ruari, wife of John of Islay, and remained under Macdonald control until the 1600s. This long period of family rule eventually gave way to new powers in the Hebridean islands.

The fortress carries its Scottish Gaelic name Caisteal Bhuirgh, which reflects the strong Celtic heritage of the Outer Hebrides. This legacy shapes the identity of Benbecula and the surrounding islands today.

The ruins sit on flat ground within a private croft, so contacting the landowner beforehand is advised before visiting. Exploring the site requires care since the original basement area lies buried under debris and accumulated soil.

Archaeological studies in 2018 revealed three distinct building phases, with each later phase adding reinforcement layers to the original narrow walls. These findings show that the fortress was modified several times to improve its defensive strength.

GPS coordinates: 57.42994,-7.37848

Latest update: December 8, 2025 21:08