Lost royal castle discovered in 30-year archaeological quest

WorldArchitecture
17 Sep 2025 • 11:09 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

image is not available

  • A previously unknown royal castle, dating from the 12th and 13th centuries, has been discovered on the Hebridean isle of Islay.
  • The castle, located at Finlaggan, is believed to have been home to kings who ruled parts of Scotland and where MacDonald Lords of the Isles inaugurated new leaders.
  • Archaeologists have spent nearly 30 years analysing research that was undertaken at the historical site on Islay from 1989 to 1998.
  • The castle occupied two islands in Loch Finlaggan, featuring a large stone tower for living quarters and security on one, and a courtyard with kitchens, a chapel, and a great hall on the other.
  • The findings are detailed in the book Archaeology of Finlaggan, Islay, authored by Dr David Caldwell and published by the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland.

IN FULL