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 (Caisteal Dhùin Bheagain) is a famous castle found on the Isle of Skye in Scotland. It's about 1 mile north of a village called Dunvegan. This amazing castle has been the home of the Clan MacLeod chiefs for many, many years. It sits high up on a rock, looking out over a sea loch called Loch Dunvegan. The castle was first built in the 1200s. Over time, it grew bigger and changed its look. In the 1800s, it was made to look like an old medieval castle.

Castle History: A Look Back in Time
- How the Castle Grew Over Centuries
Castle Location: Where It Stands
Special Treasures: Artifacts of Dunvegan Castle
Stories and Books About Dunvegan Castle
Images for kids
See also

Castle History: A Look Back in Time

The land where Dunvegan Castle stands was likely a strong, protected place for a very long time. In the 1200s, a strong wall was built around the area. Later, in the late 1300s, a tall, four-story tower house was added. This tower was similar to others built around that time.

How the Castle Grew Over Centuries

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 started this in 1623 by building a special apartment.

The old tower was not used for a while. But in the late 1700s, the 23rd chief started to make the castle look more uniform. This work continued with the next chiefs. They added fake battlements, which are the parts of a castle wall that look like teeth. They also built a new way to get into the castle using a drawbridge from the east. The castle looks the way it does today because of changes made around 1840. It is now a special Category A listed building.

Castle Location: Where It Stands

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 of the castle that faces the land, there is a ditch. This ditch is partly natural and is about 18 feet deep. It helped protect the castle long ago.

Special Treasures: Artifacts of Dunvegan Castle

Dunvegan Castle is home to some very old and important family treasures. These items have been passed down through the MacLeod family for hundreds of years. They each have their own unique stories.

Dunvegan Cup: This is a special wooden cup. It is said to have magical powers.
Fairy Flag: This is a very old silk flag. Legend says it was given to the MacLeod clan by fairies. It is believed to bring good luck and protection.
Sir Rory Mor's Horn: This is a large drinking horn. It was used in a special ceremony for the MacLeod chiefs.

Stories and Books About Dunvegan Castle

Dunvegan Castle and its famous Fairy Flag have inspired many stories. They appear in books that mix history with fantasy.

The book "The Mystery at Dunvegan Castle" by T.L. Huchu is set at the castle. The Fairy Flag is an important part of the story.
In "The Adept," a fantasy novel by Katherine Kurtz, the Fairy Flag is stolen. This happens when members of an evil magical group take it.