[2] The castle was built in the 14th and 15th centuries, when the area was subject to feuds between the rival MacLeod and Macdonald clans.

Around 1650, the castle's importance peaked, when further improvements were made, and a rectangular structure or house was built within the wall.

[2] The main structure of the castle is about 25 by 9 metres (82 by 30 ft), and stands on a basalt promontory above the sea.

It comprises the vaults of a tower, which once stood to four storeys, surrounded by an irregular curtain wall.

[2] According to one local legend, the castle was abandoned after the infant son of the chieftain who dwelt there at the time, in the charge of a nursemaid, fell from a window and was dashed on the rocks below.