Kildonan Castle

Kildonan Castle is a 13th-century fortress crowning the southeastern tip of the Isle of Arran, built by the MacDonald Lords of the Isles to defend the Firth of Clyde approaches. Standing above a rocky foreshore with commanding views toward the island of Pladda, it was later used as a hunting lodge by Scottish royalty including King Robert III. Named after St Donan, a 7th-century Irish missionary, the castle has been allowed to remain as atmospheric ruins accessible via the Arran Coastal Way. Public access to the ruins themselves is restricted for safety, but the landscape offers dramatic seaside views and heritage walking opportunities.