Peelhouses were once common in Scotland and the Northern Isles and were fortified dwellings that provided a secure haven for families and livestock alike. There are various synonyms that could be used to refer to a Peelhouse, including a bastle, a broch, a dun, a keep, or a tower house. Each of these terms carries its own connotations, with bastles being small fortified farmhouses and tower houses being the grandest of them all. Regardless of the term used, these sturdy buildings played an important role in Scotland's history, providing protection against invading armies and wild animals alike. Today, some Peelhouses have been restored and are open to visitors, giving us a glimpse into life in medieval Scotland.