Kisimul Castle

Experience Kisimul Castle on a unique guided "hard hat" tour. This is a rare opportunity to visit the island fortress while essential conservation work continues.

Travelling by boat from Castlebay, you'll be accompanied by an expert guide who will share the fascinating history of the MacNeils' stronghold, as well as insights into the ongoing work to conserve the monument.

Guided tours operate Tuesday to Saturday, departing at 9.30am. Please arrive 15 minutes before departure (9.15am). 

Meeting point: Historic Scotland jetty, opposite the Post Office, Castlebay (HS9 5XD).

Tours can be booked online up to two weeks in advance and are not available to purchase on site. If a date is unavailable to book, either no tour is scheduled on that day or all tickets are sold out.

Suitable for visitors aged 7 and over.

All visitors will be provided with a hard hat and life jacket. Sturdy footwear and weather-appropriate clothing are recommended.

As conservation work is ongoing, some areas of the castle may not be accessible during your visit.

Kisimul Castle is on a small islet in Castlebay, just off the Isle of Barra – a 5-minute crossing in a small boat from Castle Slip Landing, Castlebay.

View Kisimul Castle on a Google Map

Journey Planners

Search for National Cycle Network routes with the Walk Wheel Cycle Trust

Plan your journey by public transport using Traveline Scotland

Carers' tickets

Visitors with disabilities are charged standard admission rates (adult/concession/child). Proof of disability is not required. Up to two accompanying carers receive free entry per transaction.

Assistance dogs are permitted at all our sites and within roofed areas.

Parking

On-street parking is available near the jetty.

Approach to site

A small boat ferries visitors to the island. Visitors must be able to step into and out of the boat. Call 01871 810 313 for sailing times.

The mainland jetty has no steps but is steeply sloped. There are 8 stone steps from the island jetty up into the castle courtyard.

Visitor centre

The shop is within the castle, across the uneven courtyard from the steps to the jetty.

Monument

All the buildings are reached from the castle courtyard via uneven steps. The routes around the site are mostly gravel.

The tower and walkway are reached by two flights of stone and timber stairs. Inside the tower, a set of steep timber steps leads to the first floor, and a set of stone steps to the second floor.

The castle has several very low doors.

Toilets

Barra has no adapted toilet.