Archaeologists have made a significant discovery on Islay Island, Scotland, unearthing a medieval castle that once served as the power center of the Lordship of the Isles, a semi-independent Gaelic kingdom. The castle, part of the Finlaggan archaeological site, dates back to the 12th and 13th centuries and was revealed after years of dedicated research. The site includes stone foundations, cobbled surfaces, and an artist’s reconstruction of its grand structure. This discovery underscores the complex political and cultural landscape of the region during the late Middle Ages.
The Society of Antiquaries of Scotland announced the discovery on September 17, after nearly 30 years of effort. The site, located on Islay, a remote island off Scotland’s western coast, is about 70 miles west of Glasgow. Archaeologist David Caldwell directed excavations between 1989 and 1998, and his recent findings suggest that Finlaggan was a central hub for the Lords of the Isles, ruling from here between 1300 and 1500 A.D.
The excavation revealed a previously unknown castle that is believed to have been a key symbol of power and wealth. Recently released photos show the stone foundations and cobbled surfaces of the ancient castle, preserved beneath soil for several hundred years. An artist’s reconstruction of the castle features a stone tower and a causeway, or bridge, connecting two small islands, providing insight into its architectural grandeur and strategic significance.
The discovery includes evidence of a chapel and a ‘large and imposing great hall,’ indicating the castle’s role as a center for both religious and political activities. Historians believe the castle featured living quarters, fortifications, courtyards, kitchens, houses, and workshops, making it a comprehensive and formidable structure. The tower, estimated to have been approximately 19 by 19m overall (21m square including a plinth), is comparable in size to stone keeps in England, such as those in the castles of Carlisle, Bamburgh, and Lancaster.
Caldwell’s findings suggest the castle may have been either dismantled due to structural issues or destroyed by enemies. Nonetheless, its existence was a political statement and a sign of wealth, as large rectangular stone towers were generally reserved for rival Anglo-Norman lords and rulers. The castle’s presence on Islay, a geographically isolated island, highlights its strategic importance in the region’s history.
Caldwell emphasized the significance of the site, stating, ‘I was privileged to have led a skilled and dedicated team of specialists and volunteers on such an important project on a key place of national significance.’ He highlighted the extensive data collection and analysis that spanned his career, aiming to provide a foundation for future research at the site. The discovery adds to the growing list of significant archaeological finds in Scotland, including an ancient head with an eerie smile and a prehistoric village discovered near Inverness.