The oldest parts of the castle were the reconstructed seaward-facing curtain wall and sea gate. They were built by Leod himself, who lorded it over northern Skye and the Outer Hebrides under his king, Haakon IV of Norway. Through the centuries, other parts were added to the stronghold, such as the great tower to the right of the main entrance, and the 'fairy tower' to the left of the main entrance.
Alasdair Crotach MacLeod was the eighth chief. He also built himself a tomb in St. Clement's Church at Rodel, across the Minch on Harris, mountains of which are visible from Dunvegan.
More parts were added and changed over the centuries. In 1790, Lord and Lady MacLeod hired architect Walter Boak to convert the decrepit medieval castle into a modern mansion. Over the next fifty years, some parts were taken down, heightened, larger windows were put in and mock embattled parapets put on. The most significant change was a new, much grander, main entrance facing the land.
This is what welcomes visitors today. In MacLeod's day, there would have been no front door facing the land and visitors would have arrived at the old sea gate, by boat.
I don't think modern day Dunvegan looks too shabby! Verra nice!
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Thanks for the history of Dunvegan Castle. Never, ever see enough castles. This one is a beauty. When we toured Scotland it was such fun to find the castles, especially the ones you could explore. How interesting everyone had to enter by the sea.
ReplyDeleteI haven't gotten here yet, but I'm hoping my next trip to Scotland will get me there! Great pictures.
ReplyDeleteGreat post Victoria! I LOVE castles!!! To be honest, I can't get enough of them! When I was in England/Scotland last year and a few years before I went to so many! They are incredible pieces of history!!!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful post! I love castles and learning about them. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteVery nice, Victoria! This one is gorgeous.
ReplyDeleteFabulous pictures, Victoria. Nice little summer home, yes?
ReplyDeleteGorgeous pics!!! My release that comes out next week takes place there :) I would love to visit some day!
ReplyDeleteHi Victoria, well you are speaking to one of the Dunvegan/McLeod heirs -- or I should say heiresses. My great-grandmother was a McLeod (as it was Americanized) and my cousins have traced us a direct descents -- though very, very far removed.
ReplyDeleteBut the far removal doesn't matter -- we ARE
MacLeods (McLeods) and the castle was trod by our ancestors...............we're going over next year for a visit.
What's this about eerie vibes? That pesky grandmother McLeod is such a hoot.
Thank you for the comment "heiress of the MacLeod." A pleasure to have you here. You're right, the removal does not matter. You still ARE.
ReplyDeleteCheck back often because I love to chat about your ancestors!
I too am a Macleod and you have captured this wonderful place so well. Thank you for your eye of beauty.
ReplyDeleteI'm a MacLeod, and heading to Scotland for the first time this summer. I'm just snooping around online and getting more excited every day. These photos look exactly like the watercolor my grandmother made of the castle! Very excited! Any advice on where/how to visit Scotland properly?
ReplyDeletemy grandmother was Barbara McLeod so I think I need to pay a visit. She was born in Bettyhill, Scotland and my grandfather was also born in Scotland. My granddaughters name is Skye in honor.
ReplyDelete