Coll's Breachacha Castle has been recognised as nationally important by Historic Scotland, listing it at category A, like it's older counterpart.

The two castles were studied as part of a recent survey of the island's historic buildings.

Malcolm Cooper, Chief Inspector, said: "Coll has some fantastic buildings. The design and grouping of the two castles and old farm steading at Breachacha, in particular, are very sophisticated and reflect changing architectural fashions across the centuries."

The earliest parts of the old castle date from the 15th century with additions and alterations following in the 16th and 17th centuries. The new castle was built in 1750 and the steading in around 1798. All of the buildings have been restored over the years.

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In total five new buildings on Coll were listed, though three of these had previously been recorded as non statutory category C listings.

There are now eight listings in total for Coll - both castles (cat A); Maclean of Coll Burial Ground (cat B); Breachacha Steading and Farmhouse (cat B); former Breachacha Estate Walled Garden (cat C(s)); Coll Parish Church (cat C(s)); Grishipoll House (cat C(s)) and Sorisdale Cottage (cat C(s)).

The new, more detailed, list descriptions will help owners and planners understand the particular interest of each property and ensure that any changes can be made in a sympathetic manner.

Dr Deborah Mays, Head of the Listing Team, added: "Our work on Coll has turned up several interesting discoveries. The new list descriptions give a fuller account of each building. These should assist Argyll and Bute Council to make well-informed planning decisions relating to these buildings in future and ensure Coll's historic buildings continue in use."

In the course of the survey of the Island, it was decided that two category B cottages be removed from the list due to the level of deterioration.

(GK/JM)