Torr a'Chaisteal

Torr a'Chaisteal is situated on an isolated grassy knoll on the west coast of Arran.^[1]

It was a fortified residence, or dun, of a type common across western Scotland in the later Iron Age.^[1] A similar structure can be seen at Kilpatrick Dun 2+1⁄2 mi (4 km) to the north.^[2] The turf-covered walls are 0.5 metres high and have an average width of 4 metres.^[3] The walls are formed of large sandstone boulders, enclosing an area with a diameter of around 7 metres.^[1] A short stretch of wall lies beside the dun to the east, while on the landward approach is a substantial earthwork that may have formed an outer defence.^[1]

Antiquarian excavations in the 19th century uncovered human and animal bones, shells, the top stone of a quern, and pieces of haematite iron.^[3]

Media related to Torr a'Chaisteal Fort at Wikimedia Commons

• Historic Environment Scotland. "Torr a'Chaisteal,dun,Arran (SM90306)".