Ancient sites on the Isle of Arran

The Isle of Arran contains a dense concentration of prehistoric and medieval remains. Highlights include the Machrie Moor stone circles, dating back to the Bronze Age, and Neolithic chambered tombs like Carn Ban and the Giant's Graves. The island's later history is represented by the 13th-century ruins of Lochranza Castle, once a royal hunting lodge, and the coastal remains of Kildonan Castle. These sites offer a timeline of human habitation from early agricultural communities to medieval feudal strongholds.

Ancient Sites of Arran — Map

Graham Laird / CC BY-SA 3.0

A

Lochranza Castle

Lochranza Castle is an L-plan fortified tower house situated on a promontory in Lochranza, on the northern part of the Isle of Arran in…

Dave Napier / CC BY-SA 2.0

B

Torrylin Chambered Cairn

Torrylin Cairn is the remains of a Neolithic chambered tomb. It is located near Kilmory on the Isle of Arran in Scotland.

C

Machrie Moor Stone Circle 1

One of six circles on the moor, this site features low granite boulders. Excavations revealed it was preceded by a timber circle used for ritual purposes during the early Bronze Age.

Colin / CC BY-SA 3.0

D

Fingal’s Cauldron Seat

Machrie Moor Stone Circles is the collective name for six stone circles visible on Machrie Moor near the settlement of Machrie on the Isle…

E

Carn Ban

Carn Ban is a Neolithic chambered tomb located on the Isle of Arran in Scotland.

F

Giant's Graves

The Giants' Graves are the remains of two Neolithic chambered tombs on the Isle of Arran in Scotland.

G

Viking Fort

Located at King's Cross Point overlooking Lamlash Bay, this site contains the remains of an Iron Age fort later occupied by Norse settlers. A Viking ship burial was excavated nearby in the 19th century.

H

Moss Farm Road Stone Circle

Moss Farm Road Stone Circle is the remains of a Bronze Age burial cairn, surrounded by a circle of stones.

I

Kildonan Castle

A ruined 13th-century keep that served as a strategic lookout over the Firth of Clyde. Originally owned by the Lords of the Isles, it later became a royal hunting lodge for the Scottish monarchy.

J

Kilbride Chapel

The ruins of a medieval parish church dedicated to Saint Bride. The site includes a graveyard containing several historic carved grave slabs dating back to the 14th century.

K

Brodick Standing Stone 2

A solitary prehistoric sandstone monolith located near Brodick. It stands approximately two meters tall and serves as a significant megalithic marker within the local archaeological landscape.

Other Lists

Isle of Arran Essentials Arran's Peaks and Viewpoints Castles & Historic Ruins Arran's Natural Wonders