Caisteal Eoghainn a’ Chinn Bhig

Situated in the dramatic landscape of Glen More, this site on Loch Sguabain is one of the most accessible crannogs on Mull. It is a small island stronghold, likely of medieval origin rather than prehistoric, associated with the MacLeans of Lochbuie. The island is enclosed by the ruins of a dry-stone wall which, although now tumbled, was originally substantial. Archaeological surveys record the foundation thickness at up to 3.3 meters.

Today, the wall is best preserved on the south side, where the outer face rises about 1.2 meters above the loch surface. The interior of the island is overgrown and largely featureless, save for a small modern shelter that has been built on the site. A scattering of stones to the north-east suggests where a causeway may once have linked the fortress to the shore.

The site is steeped in local folklore as the “Castle of Ewen of the Little Head.” Legend says this was the stronghold of Ewen MacLean, who died in battle in the glen and whose headless ghost is said to ride a horse through the valley to signal a death in the MacLean family. This mix of visible ruins and chilling legend makes it a popular stop for those driving through the glen.