The 600-year-old clan stronghold undergoing major repairs on a Scottish island only reachable by boat

Kisimul Castle, at Castlebay on Barra, in the Outer Hebrides, was the clan Macneil stronghold.

Concerns were raised over the lengthy closure of the historic site after its doors closed to the public in 2020 due to safety issues with parts of the building.

Former Isles MP Angus MacNeil accused Historic Environment Scotland (HES), the owner, of “monumental failure” and expressed anger at the lack of progress or urgency in refurbishing the Castlebay landmark.

HES has announced repair works are now underway, with helicopter deliveries transporting heavy equipment and materials to the site given its location.

The public body said the conservation work is related to the concrete and its reinforcement bars, which shifted during the pouring process when the castle underwent a major restoration in the 20th century.

HES said the coastal location of the site had caused moisture and salt to corrode the steel reinforcement bars, which were set too close to the concrete faces.

Concrete slabs have also become cracked and weakened over time, with concrete covers in other areas having been deemed an insufficient thickness to provide long-term protection.

HES’s head of the north region, Jamie McPherson, said: “We know the significance of Kisimul Castle to the community who are keen to see increased access to the site. It has faced some complex conservation challenges, some of which are historic and have been compounded by factors, including climate change.

“We’re pleased to be able to begin these works which will allow us to facilitate further work and will help to achieve the longer-term goal of reopening the castle to the local community and visitors.” 

HES's predecessor, Historic Scotland, took over responsibility for managing and conserving Kisimul in 2000. At the time, the organisation signed a 999-year lease from Ian Roderick Macneil, 46th Clan Chief, for £1 and an annual rent of a bottle of Talisker whisky.

It is said the Macneils settled in Barra in the 11th century, but HES records show the castle was built in the 1400s. The building was originally a three-storey tower house, in which the clan chief lived. It was only in 1427 that Gilleonan Macneil was recorded as the first lord.