Castles & Towers of Scotland

DUNVEGAN CASTLE

Built on a rock headland projecting into Loch Dunvegan, this castle has a Gothic appearance. It disguises a much older building, however, and parts of it date back to the 13^th century. The wall round the courtyard (which has a well and steps down to the sea gate) dates from this time. The keep was erected in the 14^th century, the Fairy Tower around 1500. Later additions date from the 17^th, 18^th and 19^th century. The present appearance is due to the alterations made by Robert Brown for the 25^th Chief, Norman MacLeod, between 1840 and 1850.

The Green Room contains relics of Bonnie Prince Charlie, Flora Macdonald, Rory Mor’s Horn, and the Dunvegan Cup – a 16^th century drinking vessel given by the O’Neills to Rory Mor. In the vaults below are ancient stones, the great sword of Dunvegan, and an exhibition on the islands of St Kilda, which belonged to the MacLeods for at least four centuries until the 1930s.

Dunvegan has been in MacLeod ownership for centuries, and the present owner is the 29^th chief and noted singer. The gardens are attractively laid out around the burn, and boat trips are available in Loch Dunvegan.