Arran, Gleann Dubh, Bruce's Castle
Cairn (Modern), Fort (Prehistoric)(Possible), Natural Feature (Period Unassigned)
Site Name Arran, Gleann Dubh, Bruce's Castle
Classification Cairn (Modern), Fort (Prehistoric)(Possible), Natural Feature (Period Unassigned)
Alternative Name(s) Torr-an-schian
Canmore ID 39697
Site Number NR93SE 1
NGR NR 9922 3389
Datum OSGB36 - NGR
Permalink http://canmore.org.uk/site/39697
- Council North Ayrshire
- Parish Kilbride
- Former Region Strathclyde
- Former District Cunninghame
- Former County Buteshire
Desk Based Assessment (26 March 1973)
NR93SE 1 9922 3389
(NR 9922 3389) Fort (NR)
(Bruce's Castle).
OS 6" map, (1924)
The foundations of Bruce's Castle are to be seen on the first of a series of mounds, called Torr-an-Schian (The Fairies Mound).
Source: D Landsborough 1875.
Pennant (1774) mentions that the summit of Torr-an-schian is surrounded by "a great dike". Only traces of it now exist. From what remains one can only surmise that the fort was simple, circular and univallate, without earthworks of any kind. The name "Bruce's Castle" now sometimes used is modern. It is doubtful if Bruce was ever there.
Sources: T Pennant 1774; J Balfour 1910.
Information from OS (IF) 26 March 1973.
Field Visit (18 November 1977)
A large natural heather-covered hillock similar to others in the area situated in dense afforestation on the east bank of the Glean Dubh. It has a small modern cairn on its summit but there is no trace of any structure. The 'great dike' mentioned by Pennant could not be identified.
It was not possible to confirm either the name Bruce's Castle or The Fairies' Mound.
Visited by OS (B S) 18 November 1977.
Note (11 June 2019 - 13 June 2019)
The location, classification and period of this site have been reviewed.
HES Survey and Recording 11-13 June 2019
