Cairnburgh Castle

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The Treshnish Isles and Cairnburgh Castle lie off the coast of Mull to the West and South of Treshnish Point.  Today, they are a haven for wildlife, both birds and plants, however, in the past the islands have been a strategic outpost for control of the inner western seaway. 

Boat trips go out to the Treshnish Isles from both Ulva Ferry and Fionnphort and land on Lunga to view the wildlife.  On their way back to Ulva Ferry some of the excursions pass Cairn na Burgh More and Cairn na Burgh Beg whereupon lie the antiquities of the old fortifications.  The proximity of the two islands More (big) and Beg (small) can be seen on the banner image above.  The boat trips don't land on the island as it is quite a difficult anchorage with a strong tidal race running between the two islands, where the most suitable landing area exists.

The spelling for the islands has changed subtly from the early Viking days, where it was spelt Kiarnaborg to the Gaelic spelling of Cairn na Burgh and the more recent version Cairnburgh.  The castle has had an active existence and seen action on a number of occasions.  The first noted owner was Ewan Lord of Lorne, from King Hakon of Norway, and as political structure of Scotland changed due to battles being won and lost, and foreitures being enforced, the ownership of the castle changed hands many times.  The MacLeans of Duart have probably held ownership of the castle for the longest period of time, although that ownership has been interrupted by the Clan being on the 'wrong side' during events like the rebellion in 1504.  The castle changed hands many times as the MacLeans won and lost their battles, and during the Jacobite Rebellion of 1715 they again lost the castle to government forces.  Because of its position and the problems of landing a force, the castle was difficult to sustain and garrison, however, even with all of these problems, it was recognised a s a very significant strategic castle. 

Today the islands are managed by the Hebridean Trust,  since 26 April 2000 with grant assistance from the Heritage Lottery Fund. 'The Treshnish Isles possess unique landscape, rich wildlife communities and contain habitat, which is vital for several vulnerable species'. (Quote from the Trust) They are designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981) because of their unique geomorphology, populations of seals, cliff- and burrow-nesting seabirds, wintering wildfowl and populations of house mice. They have also recently been designated as a Special Protection Area under the EC Directive (79/409) on the Conservation of Wild Birds. 

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Page sponsored and images provided by John Noddings of Seaview Guesthouse, Fionnphort