Archaeologists have uncovered evidence of a forgotten Scottish castle that may have housed kings who ruled vast territories across western Scotland more than 700 years ago. The remarkable discovery at Finlaggan on the Isle of Islay has revealed a previously unknown royal stronghold from the 12th and 13th centuries, predating the famous Lords of the Isles by several centuries.
The discovery comes after nearly three decades of analysis following archaeological excavations conducted from 1989 to 1998, reported The Independent. Dr. David Caldwell, who led the research project, has now published the comprehensive findings in “The Archaeology of Finlaggan, Islay” through the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland. The site reveals layers of occupation spanning millennia, from prehistoric times through the medieval period to post-medieval settlements.