Watson class
Irish Cutter
Traditional Irish gaff cutter, complete with curragh tender looking for a spot to anchor in Castlebay, Barra.
Kisimul Castle seat of the chiefs of Clan MacNeil is in the background.
Kisimul sits on a rocky islet in the bay just off the coast of Barra. As it is completely surrounded by the sea, it can only be reached by boat and is all but impregnable. Kisimul has its own fresh water wells. Legend has it that this has been the stronghold of the MacNeils since the 11th century when they arrived from Ireland, the location also provided a safe anchorage for the clan galleys or birlinns which were very similar to Viking longships.
Irish Cutter
Traditional Irish gaff cutter, complete with curragh tender looking for a spot to anchor in Castlebay, Barra.
Kisimul Castle seat of the chiefs of Clan MacNeil is in the background.
Kisimul sits on a rocky islet in the bay just off the coast of Barra. As it is completely surrounded by the sea, it can only be reached by boat and is all but impregnable. Kisimul has its own fresh water wells. Legend has it that this has been the stronghold of the MacNeils since the 11th century when they arrived from Ireland, the location also provided a safe anchorage for the clan galleys or birlinns which were very similar to Viking longships.