Scottish History and Culture

FUTURE OF WESTERN ISLE CASTLE SECURED
Kisimul Castle: An Historic Union

Kisimul Castle, Click for Larger Image

Read the Chief's Message to Clan McNeil members worldwide!

The long-term future of one of Scotland's most historic castles - Kisimul Castle on the island of Barra - has been secured with an agreement announced March 25, 2000, by Rhona Brankin, Deputy Minister for Culture and Sport, whereby the Castle is being taken into the care of Historic Scotland.

Historic Scotland, the government agency responsible for the country's building heritage, has signed an agreement with the Castle's hereditary owners, The Macneil and Mrs. Macneil of Barra, to take over responsibility for the property.

Kisimul Castle, which has been open to the public for many years, has long been a centre of interest for members of the Clan Macneil worldwide. Historic Scotland agency will open the Castle as a visitor attraction in June, 2000 and a conservation programme for the site will be prepared this year with detailed survey work a first priority.

Kisimul Castle,  Click for Larger Image Ms Brankin said: "Kisimul Castle is the only significant surviving medieval castle in the Western Isles and it is internationally recognised as the seat of the chiefs of the Clan Macneil.

"This agreement secures the future of the site with a planned conservation programme which will help protect and conserve the Castle for future generations.

"Historic Scotland will use its experience of running high quality historic visitor sites to develop the site as a tourist attraction which will have economic spinoffs for one of Scotland's important island communities."

The agreement, a 1000-year lease with a novel annual rent of just £1 and a bottle of whisky, allows Historic Scotland to take over the day to day management of the site. Robert Lister Macneil of Barra, the present Chief's father, restored the castle between 1956-70 with support from Clan members. Substantial additional funds are held on behalf of Clan members which will be made available to assist Historic Scotland in its conservation work.

The Macneil and Mrs. Macneil of Barra welcomed the partnership with Historic Scotland. They said:

Map of Barra, where Kisimul Castle is located, Click for Larger Image "Kisimul is a most romantic place with great potential to be developed further as a tourist attraction. Standing on a rock in Castlebay, the tides and the constant varying sea and light of the Hebrides give the Castle an ever-changing, often magical appearance.

"Historic Scotland will maintain Kisimul to the highest standards while continuing the Castle's centuries old association with our family, the wider Clan Macneil and the Barra community.

"We wish to stress that this auspicious development respecting Kisimul will not affect our connections with the Estate of Barra and the Barra community. Our relationships with both mean a great deal to us, and will continue as in the past."

Early recorded references to Kisimul Castle are lacking, and estimates of its age range from traditional dates of about 1030 A.D. to as late as the middle of the 15th century. In the mid-l8th century, the Macneils moved out of the Castle in favour of more convenient accommodation on mainland Barra and after a fire in 1795, the Castle declined.

A 60-foot high tower dominates the Castle. Inside the Castle walls are several other buildings including a Great Hall, a kitchen, a chapel and a small dungeon. Much of the original Castle fabric remains intact.

This joint press release of HISTORIC SCOTLAND AND MACNEIL OF BARRA, provided to the Gathering of the Clans by Charles R. Kaiser, webmaster, Clan McNeil.

Thursday, December 26th, 2019

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