Ardtornish Castle

Ardtornish Castle is a ruined medieval fortress whose stone remains stand on a coastal headland jutting into the Sound of Mull, roughly two kilometers from Lochaline village. The surviving structures show how the fortress was positioned to control this important coastal area.

The fortress became the main residence of the Clan Donald chiefs from the early 14th century onward. It was abandoned in the late 17th century as the power of these leaders declined and regional control shifted.

The castle served as a major administrative center where charters were issued in Latin and Gaelic, reflecting the authority of regional leaders. You can sense today how important this location was for conducting the affairs of the surrounding lands.

The site is open to visitors and offers views across the Sound of Mull from the headland. The best time to visit is at low tide, when you can explore the ruins more closely and see more of the surrounding rocks and shore.

In 1461 a treaty was negotiated here that would have split Scotland among local leaders in exchange for their loyalty to England. This bold scheme was never carried out, but it shows how important this castle was in wider political dealings.