Ormaig Fort

Located on the island of Ulva, the fort at Ormaig occupies the summit of an isolated knoll about 1.3 kilometers east-south-east of the ruined township of Ormaig. The fort is roughly oval in shape and overlooks a small bay on the south coast of the island. Sheer rock faces on the south and east sides provided natural protection, meaning no artificial defences were necessary in those directions.

The vulnerable north and west flanks of the knoll were originally protected by a substantial wall, estimated to be around 3 meters thick. Today, this wall remains primarily as a band of rubble core with occasional facing stones protruding from the turf. The enclosed area measures approximately 43 meters by 18 meters, offering enough space for a small community or extended family unit.

The entrance was likely on the west side, where access to the summit is easiest. The fort is part of the rich archaeological landscape of Ulva, which includes standing stones and cleared villages. A visit to Ormaig fort is usually combined with a walk to the abandoned village of Ormaig, offering a poignant journey through the island’s history from the Iron Age to the Highland Clearances.