Borve Castle
History, tourist information, and nearby accommodation
HERITAGE RATING: 

Borve Castle
This late 14th-century stronghold stands behind a modern house just off the B892 at the south-west corner of Benbecula, about four miles south of Balivanich. Borve was the home of Ranald of Benbecula and was known locally as Caisteal Raghall (Ranald's castle).
The castle once stood three storeys high, but much is now in ruin. It was in use until well into the 17th century until it was apparently burned to the ground by royalist supporters angered by Clanranald support for the Jacobite cause.
An unsubstantiated local story says that the castle is joined by an underground passage to Teampull Bhuigh, a small church about 500 yards away towards the shore. The Teampull may have been the chapel for Borve Castle.
There is no obvious place to park a car, or any signs, but it is very easy to spot the castle ruins. There is no apparent way to approach the ruins other than through a farm gate beside the modern houses, then crossing the field behind the houses. I was a bit nervous about going through the gate and across the field as there were no signs, but on the other hand, there were no signs saying do not enter, so I went ahead with caution.
Most photos are available for licensing, please contact Britain Express image library.
About Borve Castle
Address: B892,
Borve,
Benbecula,
Western Isles,
Scotland
Attraction Type: Castle
Location: Behind a pair of houses on the north side of the B892 at Borve, south west Benbecula. Easily visible from the road, but otherwise the only access is through the farm field.
Location map
OS: NF773505
Photo Credit: David Ross and Britain Express
Opening Details: Open access site, usually accessible at any reasonable time
HERITAGE
We've 'tagged' this attraction information to help you find related historic attractions and learn more about major time periods mentioned.
Find other attractions tagged with:
14th century (Time Period) -
17th century (Time Period) -
castle (Architecture) -
Jacobite (Historical Reference) -
Royalist (Person) -
Nearest Holiday Cottages to Borve Castle:
Nearby accommodation is calculated 'as the crow flies' from Borve Castle. 'Nearest' may involve a long drive up and down glens or, if you are near the coast, may include a ferry ride! Please check the property map to make sure the location is right for you.
More
self catering near Borve Castle >>