Finlaggan, Islay, United Kingdom

Finlaggan is a historic site on Eilean Mòr in Loch Finlaggan. Loch, island, and Finlaggan Castle lie around two km to the northwest of Ballygrant on Islay. Finlaggan was the seat of the Lords of the Isles and of Clan Donald. Two of the three islands that lie in the expansive scenery surrounding Loch Finlaggan, Eilean Mor and Eilean na Comhairle, were the administrative centre of the Lordship of the Isles during the 13th to 15th centuries, until 1493 when the lordship of the Isles fell to James IV of Scotland, who administered the territory via a tenant-in-chief. The Finlaggan is also new addition to Caledonain MacBrayne's growing fleet. This is the first time that Cal Mac have introduced a cruise ship onto their run. Passengers can enjoy a game of blackjack in the onboard casino, settle down and watch a film in the imax cinema or maybe go for a cocktail in the new cocktail bar.

The Finlaggan Trust maintains the site and also refurbished a derelict cottage that has been converted into a comprehensive museum. The centre contains numerous artefacts discovered during archaeological excavations: from a sheep wool quilted aketon, worn under armour, to an ancient cross related to the lords. The site has been the subject of recent archaeological investigations and hosted an episode of Channel 4's archaeological television programme Time Team in 1995. During summer 2008 the centre was extensively refurbished and extended. The stone walls of a medieval chapel dedicated to St Findlugan on Eilean Mor have been stabilised and several 16th century graves put on display and covered by large glass panels.

Finlaggan Castle, also known as Eilean Mor Castle is a ruined fortified house that was once a residence and stronghold of Lord of the Isles and Clan Donald. Built in the 13th century, with masonry walls, possibly built on the remains of an earlier Iron Age fort. The Lords of the Isles used the castle a principal court. Iain Mor MacDonald, 3rd of Dunnyveg and his son Iain Cathanach MacDonald were taken prisoner at Finlaggan Castle, through the deception of Macian of Ardnamurchan for the hanging and execution of the governor of Dunaverty Castle and were later tried and hung on the Burgh Muir, Edinburgh. In 1541 Finlaggan was held from the Crown by Donald MacGilleasbuig. The castle appears to have been demolished in the 15th-16th century.

References:

Wikipedia

Miscellaneous historic sites in United Kingdom

Walls of Constantinople

The Walls of Constantinople are a series of defensive stone walls that have surrounded and protected the city of Constantinople (today Istanbul) since its founding as the new capital of the Roman Empire by Constantine the Great. With numerous additions and modifications during their history, they were the last great fortification system of antiquity, and one of the most complex and elaborate systems ever built. They were also the largest and strongest fortification in both the ancient and medieval world.

Initially built by Constantine the Great, the walls surrounded the new city on all sides, protecting it against attack from both sea and land. As the city grew, the famous double line of the Theodosian Walls was built in the 5th century. Although the other sections of the walls were less elaborate, they were, when well-manned, almost impregnable for any medieval besieger.

Piotrek M (6 months ago)
Amazing place for history loving people.

Kintail (7 months ago)
Small display area which is modern and well laid. Very helpful staff. Access to the former buildings is outside along an even path. 3D virtual reality also available.

Agnes de Boer (7 months ago)
Very interesting ruins of an mideaval farming village. And a beautifull spot by Lake Finlaggan. Nice visitor centre. Some further is Ballygrant Inn.

Amanda Luhn (9 months ago)
Very cool place to explore. Small but interesting visitor center with a very nifty VR headset so you can explore the site as it would have looked in medieval times.

Graham Trotter (11 months ago)
Great place if you love medieval history, lovely visitor centre and also displays within the ruined buildings. All the history of Clan Donald and Somerled

Finlaggan

Address

Details

More Information

Rating

Interesting Sites Nearby

User Reviews

Featured Historic Landmarks, Sites & Buildings

Finest Norman castles in Italy

Exploring the History of Northern Poland

Discovering Slovenia's Historic Wonders

Historic Site of the week

Walls of Constantinople