Dunvegan Castle facts for kids
|
Scottish Gaelic: Caisteal Dhùin Bheagain
|
|
The south-west face of the castle
|
|
 Location in Isle of Skye
|
|
| Location | Scotland |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 57°26′53″N 6°35′24″W / 57.448°N 6.590°W |
| Altitude | 15 m (49 ft) |
| Type | Castle |
| Part of | Dunvegan |
| History | |
| Founded | 13th–19th century |
| Associated with | Clan MacLeod |
| Site notes | |
| Condition | Occupied as a residence |
| Ownership | Hugh Magnus MacLeod of MacLeod |
| Public access | Historic Houses Association |
| Website | http://www.dunvegancastle.com/ |
| Architecture | |
| Architectural styles | Medieval architecture, and Victorian Architecture |
| Designation | Category A listed building |
Dunvegan Castle (which means Caisteal Dhùn Bheagain in Scottish Gaelic) is a famous castle in Scotland. It is found on the Isle of Skye, off the west coast. The castle is about 1 mile north of the village of Dunvegan.
This historic castle is the home of the Clan MacLeod chiefs. The MacLeods are a very old Scottish clan. Dunvegan Castle has been a strong place for a very long time. It was first built in the 13th century, which is over 700 years ago! Over the years, it was changed and added to many times. In the 19th century, it was given a new look to appear more like a medieval castle. The castle sits on a high rock, looking over a sea loch called Loch Dunvegan.
Contents
History of Dunvegan Castle
How the Castle Grew Over Time
In the 13th century, the first part of the castle was a strong wall around the rocky area. Later, in the late 1300s, a four-story tower house was built. This tower looked like other castles from that time, such as Kisimul Castle.
Around the year 1500, a new building called the Fairy Tower was added. This was built by Alasdair Crotach, who was the 8th chief of the MacLeod clan. In the 1600s, more buildings were put up between the old tower and the Fairy Tower. Ruairidh Mòr, a chief from 1623, built a special state apartment.
Changing the Castle's Look
The old tower was not used for a while. But in the late 1700s, the chiefs started to make the castle look more uniform. This work continued into the 1800s. They added fake battlements, which are the parts of a castle wall that look like teeth. They also built a new way to enter the castle, over a drawbridge from the east.
The castle you see today mostly looks like it did around 1840. This was when the "baronialisation" process finished. This means they made it look like a grand, old Scottish baron's castle. Dunvegan Castle is now a very important historic building in Scotland.
The Castle's Location
Dunvegan Castle is built on top of a large rock. This rock is about 50 feet above the sea. It sticks out into a bay on the eastern side of Loch Dunvegan. On the side facing the land, there is a ditch that is about 18 feet deep. This ditch helped protect the castle from attackers.
Special Treasures of Dunvegan Castle
Dunvegan Castle is home to some amazing and historic items. These treasures have been passed down through the MacLeod family for many centuries.
The Dunvegan Cup
The Dunvegan Cup is a special wooden cup. It is said to have magical powers. The cup was made in Ireland in the 15th century. It is used for important ceremonies by the MacLeod chiefs.
The Fairy Flag
The Fairy Flag is one of the most famous items at Dunvegan. It is an old silk flag. Legend says it was given to the MacLeod clan by fairies. The flag is believed to have special powers to protect the clan in times of danger. It is only used in the most serious situations.
Sir Rory Mor's Horn
Sir Rory Mor's Horn is a large drinking horn. It belonged to Sir Rory Mor MacLeod, a famous chief from the 17th century. New chiefs of the clan must prove their worth by drinking a full horn of wine in one go!
Literature
Dunvegan Castle has even appeared in books! A novel called The Mystery at Dunvegan Castle was written by T.L. Huchu. The story takes place at the castle, and the famous Fairy Flag is an important part of the plot.
Images for kids
-
Round Garden, Dunvegan Castle
-
The Walled Garden, Dunvegan Castle
-
Dunvegan Castle
-
Panorama of Dunvegan Castle
-
Dunvegan Castle port
-
Artist's impression of the castle around 1500
_(14762008186).jpg)
