A new book published by the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland has revealed the existence of a previously unknown castle on the Scottish isle of Islay, dating to the 12th or 13th century CE.
The book, The Archaeology of Finlaggan, Islay, is the culmination of major archaeological research conducted on Islay from 1989 to 1998. Over the following decades, David Caldwell, the Society’s president from 2014 to 2020, and other archaeologists analyzed and interpreted the findings.
“I am privileged to have led a skilled and dedicated team of specialists and volunteers on such an important project on a key place of national significance,” Caldwell said in a statement. “The processing of all the data that was gathered has been a major part of my life since the 1990s and I hope I have not only provided an account of interest but also a basis for others to carry out more research in the future.”
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The book reveals that the archaeological site of Finlaggan was a center of power during the Lordship of the Isles, an independent kingdom covering Argyll, Islay, Bute, the Isle of Man, Skye, Ross, Knoydart, Ardnamurchan, and Kintyre peninsula.
For much of their history, the Lords of the Islands were powerful nobles in Scotland. The title was held mostly by members of Clan Donald, until 1493.
There is however little written evidence of Finlaggan and its role in the kingdom. Among the archaeological evidence found at Finlaggan are several mounts and keys that opened caskets where important documents and valuables were kept. Finlaggan, one of two islands in Loch Finlaggan, was accessed by boat. On the island was a chapel, a feasting hall, and a causeway to a council chamber on the smaller second island.
The Archaeology of Finlaggan, Islay additionally shows evidence of a palace complex, with a large stone tower, considered to be a sign of wealth and power during that age.