Struan: Broch, Church and Views of the Cuillin Ridge

Struan is a rewarding destination for travellers who want to combine landscape and history. Around the village, Dun Beag as an Iron Age broch, historic monuments, a church and an old cemetery are the main points of interest. There is also a short walk with panoramic views of the Cuillin Ridge. Those looking for holiday accommodation in Struan can therefore shape their stay around different interests: one day, early history may be the focus; another, the landscape or local remembrance culture.

Brochs and Monuments in the Landscape

Dun Beag, an Iron Age broch, is particularly impressive. The structure stands on a rocky hill whose terrain slopes down towards Loch Bracadale. From here, Dun Beag overlooks Loch Bracadale; the combination of its distinctive architectural form and the landscape makes the site an illustrative example of the special history of this area. The interior of Dun Beag is very well preserved. Visitors who enjoy exploring archaeological traces therefore have a tangible starting point for learning about the past—not only through names, but through a preserved structure and its position in the landscape.

A second focal point is Dun Mor in Struanmore. The fort is designated as a Scheduled Monument and overlooks Dun Beag from a plateau above the surrounding moorland. The ruins of Dun Mor are located on the summit plateau and form a quadrangular enclosure. Inside, it measures approximately 175 feet from north-west to south-east and around 140 feet from north-east to south-west. These dimensions give the structure a tangible scale without diminishing its impact on the landscape. Those interested in comparing different historic sites can consider Dun Mor and Dun Beag as two distinct examples.

Church, Cemetery and Views

In addition to its prehistoric sites, Struan offers quieter cultural points of interest. The Struanmore chambered cairn is designated as a Scheduled Monument. Services are held at Struan Church at 11 a.m. John Norman Collie was buried beside John Mackenzie in the old cemetery in Struan on Loch Harport. Places like these draw attention to the religious and personal history of the area and complement the more landscape-focused impressions around Dun Beag and Dun Mor.

A path leads to panoramic views of the Cuillin Ridge on a short walk. This viewpoint creates a deliberate contrast with the historic sites: instead of a fortification or monument, the focus here is on the landscape. When choosing your accommodation, you can therefore consider whether you primarily want to use Struan as a base for cultural discoveries or as a place for a trip with a changing range of short activities. The available themes can be combined without every day having to follow the same focus.

More Places for Planning Your Trip

If you would like to compare Struan with other destinations, you can also include Rosemarkie, Greshornish, Shandwick, Glenfinnan, Tarskavaig, Ardersier, Altandhu and Strontian in your wider search.

For the main travel overview: Highland.