Skipness Castle **

Region: Argyll & The Isles

In this region: <<<<<  >>>>>

Description:

This is the largest surviving castle in Kintyre since the original walls of the royal castle of Tarbert have been almost reclaimed by the earth. The castle was built to guard the entrance to Lochfyne and the Clyde to the east, and Kilbrannan Sound between Kintyre and Arran to the south.

The first castle was probably built by the MacSweens around 1247, and it was strengthened against the Vikings about 1262. It was held by the MacDonald Lords of the Isles until 1493, when they were forfeited.