Dunvegan Castle Facts for Kids

For the sailing ship, see Dunvegan Castle (1819 ship). For the ocean liner, see HMS Dunvegan Castle.

Quick facts for kids
Dunvegan Castle
History
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 / 57.448; -6.590
Altitude	15 m (49 ft)
Type	Castle
Part of	Dunvegan
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.

History of Dunvegan Castle
- How the Castle Grew Over Time
- Changing the Castle's Look
The Castle's Location
Special Treasures of Dunvegan Castle
Literature
Images for kids
See also

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.