Cairn na Burgh Mòr

Cairn na Burgh Mòr is a small island in the Inner Hebrides off the northwest coast of the Isle of Mull, Scotland, notable for the remains of a stone castle and defensive works. The island is uninhabited and compact, with fortifications occupying much of the exposed summit.

The main attraction is the ruined Cairnburgh Castle and its associated walls and buildings, which are clearly visible on the island and were sited to control local sea lanes. There are no visitor facilities on the island and landings are by private boat only.

The castle and defences were constructed in the medieval and later periods to exploit the island’s strategic position at the entrance to nearby channels; the complex was modified over time as military needs changed. After falling out of active use the site became ruinous but remains an identifiable example of island fortification in the Inner Hebrides.

The island sits at the northern entrance to the channels around Mull, a short distance from the larger island of Mull and adjacent to the smaller Cairn na Burgh Beag; it lies within the council area of Argyll and Bute.

• Main feature: Contains the visible remains of **Cairnburgh Castle**, with stone walls and defensive works sited to control nearby sea lanes.
• Access: Reached only by boat; the surrounding waters and tides can make landings difficult, so visits are generally from private vessels or organised boat trips when available.

What to See #

• Cairnburgh Castle: Ruined castle and associated defensive walls dating from the medieval and post-medieval periods, occupying the summit and sheltered anchorage on the north side.