Scheduled MonumentsScotlandLittle Cumbrae Castle

Little Cumbrae Castle

Scotland
HES SM2195
Nation
Scotland
Boundary

Scheduled area

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

Overview

History & significance

Little Cumbrae Castle is a ruined fortification located on the island of Little Cumbrae in the Firth of Clyde, Scotland. The castle dates from the medieval period, though the precise chronology of its construction and phases of occupation remain incompletely documented in the scholarly record. The structure represents a defensive installation typical of the strategically important Clyde estuary, an area subject to control by successive regional powers. The remains today consist of fragmentary stonework indicative of a modest fortified structure, though detailed archaeological investigation would be required to establish its full architectural character and the extent of its original defensive capabilities.

Little Cumbrae Castle is a scheduled monument protected by Historic Environment Scotland under reference SM2195. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Little Cumbrae Castle?

Little Cumbrae Castle is a ruined fortification located on the island of Little Cumbrae in the Firth of Clyde, Scotland. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by Historic Environment Scotland under reference SM2195.

Who is responsible for protecting Little Cumbrae Castle?

Little Cumbrae Castle 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 SM2195.

What other scheduled monuments are near Little Cumbrae Castle?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Little Cumbrae,lighthouse tower & associated buildings (1 km), Portencross Castle (3.3 km), Auld Hill,fort,Portencross (3.4 km).

Aubrey Research

Generate a full report for this location

Aubrey generates in-depth historical research for any address in Britain — drawing on scheduled monument data, Domesday records, Roman heritage, PAS finds and medieval history to reveal the complete story of a landscape.

Research the area around Little Cumbrae Castle