Achanduin Castle, Medieval fortress on Lismore Island, Scotland
Achanduin Castle is a ruined fortress on Lismore Island in Argyll and Bute, positioned on a limestone ridge above Loch Linnhe. The structure contained two ranges of buildings arranged around a central courtyard, with some walls still standing at heights exceeding 20 feet (6 meters).
This castle was built in 1290 by the MacDougall clan and controlled by them for roughly 110 years before passing to the Bishop of Argyll around 1400. The shift marked a change in regional power dynamics during medieval times.
This fortress served as a stronghold for the MacDougall clan and later became a bishop's property, reflecting local power structures. The elevated position on the island shows how rulers controlled passage through the sea routes of western Scotland.
The site lies on the northwestern coast of Lismore Island and is reached via walking paths that start from Achnacroish. It helps to have local guidance or maps beforehand, as the route crosses through the island's terrain.
Beneath the ruins lie traces of prehistoric settlements discovered during excavations between 1970 and 1975. The hilltop was occupied by people long before the castle was ever built.
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