Forgotten Noble Fortress Discovered on Islay Location
A long-forgotten castle found on a Scottish location is believed to have been home to kings who commanded large areas of the Highlands and islands.
Historians suggest the fortification, built across two small islands within a body of water at Finlaggan, was used by high-ranking figures over 700 years in the past.
Subsequent rulers included highland chieftains who were later called the Island Sovereigns.
These lords transformed the site into a strategic headquarters from which they oversaw the Western Isles, mainland territories and parts of the Scottish northwest.
Experts have spent nearly 30 years studying the site to gain a deeper insight of its significance in the domain of the Island rulers, as well as the area’s prior uses.
Remains of a castle were identified and dated to the medieval era, preceding the lords gained influence.
The fort included a rectangular stone tower like those located at well-defended strongholds in Carlisle, Bamburgh and other medieval locations.
The keep housed residential areas, central yards, kitchens, a main hall where celebrations occurred and a chapel with an nearby cemetery.
Researchers mentioned that European kings in the British Isles were recognized for building square keeps, and they proposed that this castle’s was designed as a display of authority and resources.
The fortress could have been demolished because it was weakened or damaged during conflicts.
A grand building was afterwards constructed on the same site for the clan chief.
The Lords of the Isles behaved like kings and believed they were peers of contemporary monarchs.
They executed attacks in northern Britain and struck sites such as a historic stronghold on the edge of a Scottish loch.
According to a new book, authors declared that Finlaggan was the lords' central center of power.
The publication has been produced by a research institute.
A lead researcher led a crew of specialists and volunteers in discovering additional details about the site.
"The analysis of all the information that was collected has been a major aspect of my life since the 1990s, and I hope I have not only delivered an report of value but also a foundation for others to pursue more study in the years to come."
Another expert remarked that the group's goal was to communicate information of the history as widely as feasible.
