High ground near Torinturk opens wide views to Gigha, Islay, Jura and the long line of Kintyre. Dùn a’ Choin Duibh is a hillfort, a defended hilltop or ridge settlement, whose Gaelic name means Fort of the Black Dog.
The surviving source record is brief, but the place is memorable for its name and landscape. Local shanachies, or tradition-bearers, connect it with a black wolfhound that defended the fort.
What follows is drawn from published sources, with each claim labelled by how firmly it is established.
History
Dùn a' Choin Duibh is a hillfort near Torinturk in Argyll and Bute.
Its Gaelic name means Fort of the Black Dog.
The site has views to Gigha, Islay, Jura, the Mull of Kintyre and Ireland.
Connections
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Torinturk
The hillfort is near this Argyll settlement.
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Gigha, Islay and Jura
These Inner Hebridean islands are visible from the site.
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Mull of Kintyre
The fort's view takes in the peninsula.
What to look for
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Wide island views
The site is noted for views toward Inner Hebridean islands, Kintyre and Ireland.
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Hillfort position
Its defensive value lies in the elevated ground near Torinturk.
What is said
Folklore and tradition, recorded as what is said — not as established fact.
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The black dog
It is said that local shanachies say the fort was named for a black wolfhound, half wolf, that defended it. (tradition)
Plan your visit
- Location
- 55.8203°N · 5.5056°W
- Terrain
- Rough ground — reasonable boots advised
Opening & admission
Check locally before travelling
- The site is a hillfort near Torinturk with wide views.
- The source gives no public access details.
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Questions people ask
- What is Dùn a' Choin Duibh?
- It is a hillfort near Torinturk in Argyll and Bute.
- What does the name mean?
- The Gaelic name means Fort of the Black Dog.
- What is the local tradition?
- Tradition-bearers say the fort was named after a black wolfhound, half wolf, that defended it.
- What can be seen from the site?
- The source mentions views to Gigha, Islay, Jura, the Mull of Kintyre and Ireland.
Sources
Explore more: Building or ruins · Medieval · Argyll and Bute
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