Dunvegan Castle

Resting in the Highlands of Scotland, this fortress was the seat of the Clan MacLeod for over 700 years. It sits in a very strategic location on the Loch Dunvegan, surrounded on 3 sides by perilous rocky cliffs and on the 4th side a deep cut moat. The only entrance to the castle was an ancient sea-gate facing the loch. This castle was virtually impregnable, explaining the fitness and excellent condition of the castle.

Over the centuries, much had been added to the castle. The most distinctive structure at this castle dates to the 14th century, built by Malcolm, the 3rd chief of the clan. This great 50 ft. tall keep with 10 ft. thick walls served as the dungeon tower, contained vaulted basements, the great hall private apartments and sleeping chambers.

In about 1500, the Fairy Tower was built by Alasdair Crotach, the 8th chief of the clan. It is purely a residential tower. The tower name was derived from the oldest valuable relic of the clan's past- The Fairy Flag. The Fairy Flag is said to have magical powers that have ensured the clan's stronghold of Dunvegan. The flag supposedly will protect the clan from disaster but only on 3 occasions. It is said to have the ability to ensure fertility for couples placing it on their beds and can bring herring into the loch. It is also said that Alasdair Crotach used the flag's magic on 2 occasions, so the clan has only one chance left to use it's powers. Of course, there are other stories that say the clan has used all of the flag's magic!

Remodeling took place in the 17th, 18th and 19 centuries, adding exterior turrets and the observation tower and the only major repair to the castle was done in 1790 when the castle was re-roofed.