Scheduled MonumentsScotlandDun nan Nighean, dun, Islay
Iron Age · Dun, islay

Dun nan Nighean, dun, Islay

Scotland
HES SM13215
Period
Iron Age
Site type
Dun, islay
Nation
Scotland
Boundary

Scheduled area

© Mapbox · © OpenStreetMap contributors · Boundary data © Historic Environment Scotland

Overview

History & significance

Dun nan Nighean is a dun situated on the island of Islay in Argyllshire, Scotland, dating to the Iron Age. The monument consists of the remains of a stone-built fortified settlement characteristic of the dun type prevalent in the Scottish Hebrides during this period. Such structures typically feature thick defensive walls and occupy naturally defensible positions, serving as residential strongholds for local communities and their livestock. The site represents an important example of Iron Age settlement patterns in the western Scottish islands, where duns formed a significant component of the archaeological landscape during the later prehistoric period.

Dun nan Nighean, dun, Islay is a scheduled monument protected by Historic Environment Scotland under reference SM13215. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Dun nan Nighean, dun, Islay?

Dun nan Nighean is a dun situated on the island of Islay in Argyllshire, Scotland, dating to the Iron Age. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by Historic Environment Scotland under reference SM13215.

What period does Dun nan Nighean, dun, Islay date from?

Dun nan Nighean, dun, Islay dates from the iron age period, and is classified as a dun, islay. It is one of over 32,000 scheduled monuments protected across Britain.

Who is responsible for protecting Dun nan Nighean, dun, Islay?

Dun nan Nighean, dun, Islay is a Scheduled Ancient Monument, legally protected by Historic Environment Scotland — the body responsible for designating and safeguarding heritage sites in Scotland. The official designation reference is SM13215.

What other scheduled monuments are near Dun nan Nighean, dun, Islay?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Dun Bheolain, fort, Islay (0.2 km), Beinn a' Chaisteil, promontory fort and associated remains, Islay (2.3 km), Cill Ronain, chapel site 380m N of Braigo, Islay (2.4 km).

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