Scheduled MonumentsScotlandGylen Castle, castle and associated settlement, Kerrera
Medieval · Castle and associated settlement, kerrera

Gylen Castle, castle and associated settlement, Kerrera

Scotland
HES SM294
Period
Medieval
Site type
Castle and associated settlement, kerrera
Nation
Scotland
Boundary

Scheduled area

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Overview

History & significance

Gylen Castle is a late medieval fortress located on the island of Kerrera in Argyllshire, Scotland, constructed in the latter part of the sixteenth century as a stronghold of the MacDougall clan. The castle occupies a defensively positioned promontory and comprises a four-storey square tower with corner turrets, characteristic of Scottish tower-house architecture of its period. The fortification was destroyed in 1647 during the English Civil War campaign by forces under the command of General Leslie, and subsequently lay ruined. An associated settlement developed in proximity to the castle, reflecting the administrative and domestic functions of this MacDougall holding within the strategically significant waters of the Firth of Lorn.

Gylen Castle, castle and associated settlement, Kerrera is a scheduled monument protected by Historic Environment Scotland under reference SM294. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Gylen Castle, castle and associated settlement, Kerrera?

Gylen Castle is a late medieval fortress located on the island of Kerrera in Argyllshire, Scotland, constructed in the latter part of the sixteenth century as a stronghold of the MacDougall clan. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by Historic Environment Scotland under reference SM294.

What period does Gylen Castle, castle and associated settlement, Kerrera date from?

Gylen Castle, castle and associated settlement, Kerrera dates from the medieval period, and is classified as a castle and associated settlement, kerrera. It is one of over 32,000 scheduled monuments protected across Britain.

Who is responsible for protecting Gylen Castle, castle and associated settlement, Kerrera?

Gylen Castle, castle and associated settlement, Kerrera 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 SM294.

What other scheduled monuments are near Gylen Castle, castle and associated settlement, Kerrera?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Barrnacarry,Tigh Cuil,deserted township (4.2 km), Losgann Larnach,fort (4.8 km), Dunan Buiaig, cairn, Kilninver (4.8 km).

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