KISIMUL CASTLE
Kisimul Castle sits on a rocky islet in the bay just off the coast of Barra. Legend has it that this has been the stronghold of the MacNeils ( Clan MacNeil, MacNeil of Barra ) since the 11th century. With its square keep and curtain wall, Kisimul has a similar design to Dunstaffnage Castle. To withstand sieges, the castle was equipped with two artesian wells to provide water and a fish trap in a catchment basin. A galley used to be berthed alongside on a sloping beach with the crewhouse nearby. At the first sign of trouble, the crew was expected to launch the ship and defend the castle from attack.