Dunvegan Castle is a historic castle on the Isle of Skye in Scotland. It has been the seat of the MacLeod of MacLeod, chief of the Clan MacLeod, for over 800 years. The castle has a rich history and a collection of family heirlooms, such as the Dunvegan Cup, the Fairy Flag, and Sir Rory Mor’s Horn. The castle also has beautiful gardens and a stunning view of the Loch Dunvegan.
Here is some more information about Dunvegan Castle:
The castle was first built in the 13th century as a fortified site on a rock overlooking the sea. It was expanded and modified over the centuries, with different parts of the castle dating from different periods. The oldest part of the castle is the four-storey tower house, which was built in the late 14th century. The Fairy Tower, a separate building, was added around 1500 by Alasdair Crotach, the 8th chief.
In the 17th century, new ranges of buildings were constructed between the old tower and the Fairy Tower, creating a state apartment for Ruairidh Mòr, the 15th chief. In the 18th and 19th centuries, the castle was remodelled in a mock-medieval style, with the addition of battlements, a drawbridge, and a new entrance. The current appearance of the castle dates from around 1840, when the process of “baronialisation” was completed.
The castle is home to some of the most famous and cherished relics of the Clan MacLeod. The Dunvegan Cup is a wooden mazer bowl that was given to the clan by the O’Neills of Ulster as a token of friendship in 1493. The cup is made of oak and silver and has Celtic designs and inscriptions. The Fairy Flag is a silk banner that is said to have magical powers. According to legend, the flag was given to the clan by a fairy princess who married a MacLeod chief. The flag is believed to bring victory, fertility, and protection to the clan. The flag has been used in several battles and has many holes and tears.
Sir Rory Mor’s Horn is a drinking horn that was made from an ox horn in the 16th century. The horn can hold about 1.5 litres of claret and was used as a test of manhood for the clan chiefs. The chief had to drink the horn dry in one go to prove his worthiness. The horn is decorated with silver and has the MacLeod crest and motto.
The castle has six acres of gardens that are divided into different sections. The Round Garden is the oldest part of the garden, dating from the 18th century. It has a circular lawn surrounded by flower beds and trees. The Walled Garden is a formal garden that was created in the 19th century. It has geometric patterns of box hedges, roses, and herbs. The Water Garden is a modern garden that was designed in the 1980s. It has a series of pools, waterfalls, and bridges that create a tranquil atmosphere. The castle also has a woodland garden, a vegetable garden, and a glasshouse.
The castle is open to the public from April to October and offers guided tours, audio guides, and exhibitions. The castle also hosts events such as weddings, concerts, and festivals. The castle is a member of the Historic Houses Association and is a Category A listed building.