Remains of castle found in Scottish loch
Archaeologists think Finlaggan was once the home of a castle in the 12th and 13th centuries
- Published
A castle has been rediscovered on a Scottish island years after it had been "forgotten".
It was built across two small islands in a loch at Finlaggan on Islay, in the Inner Hebrides.
Archaeologists believe it could have belonged to Scottish royalty, whose descendants included MacDonald clan chiefs who became known as the Lords of the Isles.
The castle may have been demolished on purpose or damaged in enemy attacks before a palace was later built on the site.
Archaeologists uncovered these remains of the castle at Finlaggan
It was well known that the site had an important place in history.
In fact, archaeologists have spent almost 30 years studying the loch to try and find out more about the role it played in the kingdom of the Lords of the Isles.
Remains of a castle were uncovered and dated to the 12th and 13th centuries.
They found that the castle had a rectangular stone tower similar to a keep, which experts think was built as a sign of power and wealth.
An illustration showing later medieval life at Finlaggan
Anglo-French kings in Britain and Ireland were known for constructing rectangular towers.
Similar towers can be found in castles in parts of England, for example, Carlisle, Bamburgh and Lancaster.
The tower had living quarters, including courtyards, kitchens, and a great hall where feasting took place.
They also found a chapel complete with its own burial ground.