Calvay Castle

Calvay Castle is a stone fortification on the small island of Calvay off the coast of South Uist in the Outer Hebrides. The surviving walls display thick stonework typical of Scottish defensive architecture, designed to protect against attackers from the sea and land.

The castle was built in medieval times to serve as a stronghold for the dominant families of the region. In 1746, it provided shelter to a fleeing prince after a major military defeat, before the structure gradually deteriorated in later centuries.

The castle embodies the complex history of Scottish clans in the Outer Hebrides, particularly the MacRuaries and MacNeils, whose power shifted over centuries. Visitors can still perceive the spatial layout that shows how these families controlled and defended their territories.

Access to the island requires a boat trip from South Uist, and visitors should check with local authorities before planning a visit. The weather in this region is changeable, so it is wise to bring warm and waterproof clothing.

A sunken causeway once connected the castle to the mainland of South Uist, allowing easy passage across the water. This natural crossing has vanished beneath the sea, leaving the island completely isolated and accessible only by boat today.