Dun Ban (Tostarie)

Distinct from the fort of the same name at Mingary, this Dun Ban (“White Fort”) is located directly on the seashore near the township of Tostarie. Its position is strikingly different from the hilltop forts, as it occupies a rocky boss at the water’s edge, highlighting the absolute dependence of the Iron Age population on the sea for transport and food. The site is protected by steep slopes on the seaward side, which drop directly to the rocky shoreline.

The ruins consist of a spread of tumbled stones and turf that mark the line of the original defensive wall. Much of the structure has been lost to coastal erosion and gravity over the last two millennia, with stones falling down the steep slopes. However, the enclosure is still discernible, and the strategic logic of the site remains obvious, it controls a section of the coast and offers a safe landing place for small boats.

A visit to Dun Ban can be combined with a walk to the nearby ruined township of Tostarie, creating a journey that spans from the Iron Age to the Highland Clearances. The views from the dun across to the islands of Coll and Tiree are uninterrupted, offering a perfect vantage point to watch for weather fronts or ships, just as the original inhabitants would have done.