Eilean Ruaridh Mòr and Eilean Ruaridh Beag are named after the celebrated chief of Macleods, Ruaridh MacLeod, who lived on Eilean Ruaridh Beag around 1480.

There are remains of the house of John Roy MacKenzie, 4th Lord of Gairloch, who lived in latter part of 16th century and beginning of 17th.

In 1638 Kenneth McKenzie of Gairloch was served heir male to his father when his inheritance included "...the manor place and gardens in the island of Ilinroy (Eilean Ruaridh Beag)..."

J H Dixon 1886.

Eilean Ghrùididh has been described as fortified and the stone-lined pit has been depicted as a dungeon, although there is no evidence to confirm this. It is said to have been a stronghold of the MacBeaths and then the MacLeods.