Dunvegan Castle, Skye

Dunvegan Castle, Skye

ID: QZP40_CARD_0193 DESCRIPTION: Dunvegan Castle on the Isle of Skye. Almost totally surrounded by water, Dunvegan Castle is well-equipped to defend itself against attack. Seat of the chiefs of the MacLeods, the castle was started in the 15th century and added to in each century. Today it is a popular tourist attraction. Bound on three sides by rocky cliffs and the waters of Loch Dunvegan, and protected on the landward side by a deep-cut ditch, the castle was virtually invulnerable to attack. The only entrance was through the ancient sea-gate which faced into the loch. In 1748 the gate was superseded by a bridge spanning the ditch. The most distinctive structure at Dunvegan is the great keep, which dates back to the 14th century. It was the creation of Malcolm, the 3rd MacLeod chief. At over 15 metres tall and with 3 metre thick walls, the keep served as the dungeon tower and also contained vaulted basements, the great hall, private apartments, and bed chambers. The exterior turrets and observation tower are later additions. The only major repair to the keep has been the tower's re-roofing in 1790. At the opposite end of the eastern wing is situated the Fairy Tower, built c.1500 by Alasdair Crotach, the 8th chief. This was a purely residential tower. The name Fairy Tower most likely derives from the presence of the Fairy Flag, a relic of the clan's history. At least 1,000 years old, the Fairy Flag is said to be endowed with magical powers that have ensured the MacLeods presence at Dunvegan. PLACENAME: Dunvegan DISTRICT: Skye OLD COUNTY/PARISH: INVERNESS: Duirinish PERIOD: 1920s SOURCE: Highland Libraries COLLECTION: Highland Libraries' Postcard Collection Asset ID: 32091 KEYWORDS: