The ruins of Gylen Castle are situated on the tiny Isle of Kerrera, overlooking Oban Bay.  It is also known as the Castle of Fountains, and was once a stronghold of the MacDougalls. 

     Gylen was built around 1582-1587 in the time of Dougall, the 15th chief, by Duncan MacDougall, who was either the brother or the son of the chief.  It was certainly constructed as a fortified residence.  On a nearly impregnable sea-cliff site, it was designed to the best defensive strategies of its time.  It has heavy walls, guarded entrances, gun loops, gun ports, and observation outlooks on all sides.  Its design was not entirely utilitarian, however.  Not only is it surrounded by glorious scenery on all sides, but clearly, great care, artistry and craftsmanship went into its construction.  Many very interesting features such as a crowstep gables, corbeled cornices, Romanesque carvings and sculptures of faces and figures, and dogtooth carving around oriel windows all testify to care of design and craftsmanship.  Sadly, the descendants of Duncan were able to use and enjoy the protection of Gylen for barely 60 years.  In 1647, a detachment of the army of the fanatic Covenanters captured and burned the castle, and slaughtered all who resided and defended therein.  In addition to the loss of life and property was the disappearance of the great family treasure, the Brooch of Lorn, which had been captured by the MacDougalls from Robert the Bruce in 1306.  Over the last 350 years the ravages of weather have been gradually eroding and destroying the wonderful features of the castle that survived the fire and war.  

     It was reported in the November 1996 issue of Dalriada's The Eagle's Eye that an appeal has been launched to raise around 25,000 pounds for its restoration. This work will help prevent it becoming a danger to the public.   

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