Long-Lost Royal Castle Uncovered on Islay Island
A previously overlooked stronghold discovered on a Islay island may have been home to kings who once governed large territories of the Highlands and islands.
Historians propose the fortification, constructed across two islets within a body of water at the location, was owned by royalty over 700 years in the past.
Subsequent rulers comprised MacDonald clan chiefs who earned the title of the Masters of the Islands.
These lords developed this location into a center of power from which they controlled the island chain, Argyll and sections of the north west Highlands.
Archaeologists have invested nearly 30 years studying Finlaggan to acquire a deeper insight of its place in the kingdom of the clan leaders, as well as the area’s prior uses.
Ruins of a castle were identified and placed in the medieval era, before the lords gained influence.
The castle included a rectangular central building like those located at impressive fortresses in English border towns, coastal forts and other medieval locations.
The tower housed residential areas, courtyards, kitchens, a great hall where events occurred and a religious space with an nearby graveyard.
Archaeologists stated that Norman-inspired monarchs in Britain and Ireland were recognized for constructing rectangular towers, and they suggested that Finlaggan's was designed as a display of authority and resources.
The structure was likely dismantled because it was unstable or damaged during conflicts.
A palace was afterwards constructed on the very location for the clan chief.
The Lords of the Isles acted as kings and saw themselves as counterparts of contemporary monarchs.
They carried out military campaigns in mainland Scotland and targeted sites such as a historic stronghold on the banks of a famous lake.
In a recent publication, experts declared that Finlaggan was the rulers' primary center of power.
The book has been released by a research organization.
An author led a team of experts and volunteers in discovering additional details about this location.
"Processing of all the data that was assembled has been a significant part of my work since the 1990s, and I aim I have not only offered an account of interest but also a foundation for others to carry out more exploration in the future."
Another expert remarked that the group's mission was to share information of the past as broadly as possible.
