Kisimul Castle reopens to visitors

Kisimul Castle, on the Isle of Barra, is once more welcoming visitors, following the completion of a programme of essential conservation works. Historic Environment Scotland (HES), who manages the site, will be running guided tours on selected dates until 30 September 2026, when the site closes for the winter season.

The essential conservation works have included the introduction of new support systems for the concrete, stabilisation of the ceiling in the Great Hall to allow access, replacement of the tower stair, re-roofing of the chapel and repairs to the Castlebay jetty. The high-level walkway has also been replaced, giving visitors a dramatic high-level view back towards Castlebay, enhancing the overall visitor experience and creating a more memorable connection to the site. Parts of the works have been funded by the Historic Scotland Foundation, which received donated monies for Kisimul Castle, organised by the Clan Macneil Association of America.

Katey Boal, Head of North Region at HES, said:

“This is an achievement that has been years in the making, with essential works taking place to address complex conservation challenges, including historic issues that have been compounded by the coastal environment. We have worked closely with the communities of Barra and Vatersay during this time and re-opening Kisimul Castle to the local community and visitors has been our long-term goal. I am thrilled to be able to announce its doors are open once again and look forward to welcoming all to experience this iconic part of Scotland."

Tours will be running once per day on selected dates throughout the summer season, lasting one hour and departing by boat from the Castlebay jetty. Tickets must be booked in advance and visitors are asked to arrive 15 minutes prior to their booked timeslot. The tour offer will be expanded as the season progresses with additional timeslots added per day. Keep an eye on historicenvironment.scot for the latest updates. Due to ongoing conservation works, visitors are required to wear a hard hat for the duration of the tour, which will be provided. Appropriate (sturdy) footwear must be worn.

Kisimul Castle, seat of the chief of the Macneils of Barra, tells us of the nature of Gaelic lordship in the Middle Ages. Caisteal Chiosmuil, the island stronghold’s Gaelic name, means ‘castle of the rock of the small bay’. Guided tours will allow visitors to experience and discover more about the history of this iconic 15th century stronghold, hearing stories of notable events in the Castle’s history, from clan gatherings and ceilidhs to darker tales of murder and sieges. There will also be the chance to learn more about life on the island of Barra, with insight into local fishing history and the impact of the highland clearances on the community, as well as the conservation works that have been taking place at the site over the last few years.

Find out more about the tours and book

We're the lead body for Scotland’s historic environment, a charity dedicated to the advancement of heritage, culture, education and environmental protection. We are at the forefront of researching and understanding the historic environment and addressing the impacts of climate change on its future. Across Scotland, we investigate and record architectural and archaeological sites and landscapes and care for more than 300 properties of national importance. HES is also working with sector partners to deliver Scotland's strategy for the historic environment, Our Past, Our Future.

Historic Scotland, trove.scot, The National Collection of Aerial Photography (NCAP), The Engine Shed, Stirling Castle, Edinburgh Castle and Stòr are sub-brands of HES.

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