Scolpaig Tower facts for kids
Scolpaig Tower is a cool old building on the island of North Uist in the Outer Hebrides, Scotland. People also call it Dùn Scolpaig or MacLeod’s Folly. It's a type of building known as a folly, which means it was built more for looks than for a practical purpose. The name "Scolpaig" might come from an old Viking word, scolpvik, meaning 'Scolp Bay'. A scolp was a large boat used in the Hebrides long ago.
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What is Scolpaig Tower?
Scolpaig Tower was built around 1830. A man named Dr Alexander MacLeod had it built. He was the manager, or factor, of the North Uist area. He wanted to help people find work during a time when food was scarce. So, building the tower gave jobs to many people.
The Tower's Design and Location
The tower stands on a small island in Loch Scolpaig. It was built right on top of an even older site. This older site was an Iron Age dun, which was a type of ancient fort. The tower itself looks like a castle, with a Gothic-style design. It has eight sides, making it an octagon.
It looks like a two-storey building. The top has a cool, jagged edge called a crenellated parapet, just like a castle wall. A low stone wall surrounds the tower. This wall was probably built at the same time as the tower. The old Iron Age fort underneath is now completely gone.
Where to Find Scolpaig Tower
Scolpaig Tower is located at OS Grid Reference NF73107503. You can find it near the village of Scolpaig. The tower is a very noticeable building in an otherwise flat area. It's one of the most photographed spots on the island!
Visiting the Tower
If the water level in Loch Scolpaig is low enough, you can walk to the tower. There's a stone path, called a causeway, that connects it to the land. Today, the tower is open to the wind and rain. It has become a home for many birds, who use it as a nesting place.
Protecting This Historic Site
Scolpaig Tower is an important historical building. It was first listed as a special monument in 1928. Later, in 1971, it was officially recognized as a Category B listed building. This meant it was protected. Even though its listing category changed in 2018, the tower is still protected. It is part of a scheduled monument, which means it's a nationally important archaeological site.
In 2008, a group called the Council for Scottish Archaeology started a project. They wanted to raise money to fix and protect the tower. This project was part of their Adopt-a-Monument scheme.
