Coeffin

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Coeffin is on the island of Lismore, an island in Loch Linnhe, in Argyll, on the west coast of Scotland at grid reference NM853437.

Coeffin Castle was built in the 13th century, possibly by the MacDougalls of Lorn, on the site of a Viking fortress on the northwest coast of the island (possibly Castle Rachal, see below). It later passed to the Campbells. The name Coeffin is thought to come from Caifen who was a Viking prince, and whose sister supposedly haunted the castle until her remains were taken back to be buried beside her lover in Norway.

The castle was abandoned in the 17th century and is now a ruin. Recent archival discoveries indicate that the Knights Templars may have been involved in the castle and island after fleeing mainland Europe following the purge directed by the Pope.

Interestingly, 18th century Ordnance Gazeteer of Scotland lists a Castle Rachal as occupying the same location. It describes it as "a very ancient Scandinavian fortalice in Lismore and Appin parish, Argyllshire, on the NW side of Lismore island, 2.5 miles from the north-eastern extremity, now a dilapidated ivy-clad ruin."

Coordinates: 56.53612° N 5.49331° W