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Duntulm Castle still stands its centuries-old vigil on the basalt promontory of the north coast of Trotternish, visitors are free to approach the ruins of Duntulm Castle at any time of the year, on the beautiful Isle of Skye in Scotland. This once-mighty fortress has fallen into ruins, prey to the elements and man's indifference, and was abandoned in the 1700s.
Visiting Duntulm Castle
Parking
The lay-by can accommodate two to three cars and visitors and lies directly by the gate leading to the Duntulm Castle. Although the castle itself is not signposted, the settlement that bears the same name is well marked.
Price
Free
Opening
Members of the public are free to approach the ruins of Duntulm Castle at any time of the year, and the access is complimentary.
Location & Access
A855, Kilmaluag
Isle of Skye,
Scotland,
IV51 9UF
At the northwestern tip of the Trotternish Peninsula, on the A855
OS: NG409743
The dramatic and desolate ruins of Duntulm Castle stand their lonely vigil on the basalt cliffs. Visitors will find a small lay-by on the northwestern tip of the Trotternish Peninsula on the A855.
Visitors may follow a well-tended path along the coast to Duntulm Castle, which one can find a few hundred yards southeast of the bend in the main road. The council advises visitors not to proceed past the fence line for safety reasons. However, one may view the ruins safely from the exterior of the castle.
Know Before You Go
- Visitors may not view the ruins from up close due to the dangers of falling rocks due to the advanced state of disrepair. It is advisable to consider the ruins from a safe distance.
- The terrain leading to and around the castle is quite rugged, so visitors should choose appropriate footwear.
- There are no information boards at the castle site, so visitors should consider bringing their own information guide.
History of Duntulm Castle
The Duntulm Castle site was likely a broch in prehistoric times built over in the 14th and 15th centuries. The castle was pivotal in the area, where the feud between the MacLeods and MacDonald clans were at their height. Over the following centuries, the castle was pivotal in political events.
Time Line
-500 BC-332 BC (Site Origins)
Historians suggest that Duntulm Castle stood on an earlier Iron age fort. However, archaeologists still lack definitive archaeological proof.
-11th Century (Norse Stronghold)
Historical records refer to a castle called Dun Dhaibhidh, or ‘David’s Fort,’ after a Norse chief when the Kings of Norway ruled the western seaboard.
-14-15th Century (Castle Built)
Evidence suggests that the Macleods built the castle in an area embroiled in clan warfare typical of Scottish history. They built the castle of Duntulm during the explosive feuds between the Macleods and the Macdonald clans. The castle was originally a four-story tower house with a large courtyard protected by a curtain wall.
-1540 (King’s Visit)
When King James V visited Duntulm Castle, the Macdonald clan held ownership. The Earls of Ross and Lord of the Isles vied for control over the area and created friction between the MacLeod and MacDonald clans.
-Early 1600s (MacDonald Ownership)
The castle was under the ownership of the MacDonald Clan.
-1618 (Additions)
A charter granted the site to the MacDonalds, provided that they make Duntulm their primary residence. The clan made further additions to the structure with an additional tower and made enhancements to the existing tower.
-1650 (Further Additions)
Duntulm Castle's importance peaked, and the proprietors made further improvements, including an additional rectangular structure built within the wall.
-1730s (Abandoned)
Sir Alexander MacDonald changed residence to nearby Monkstadt House, plundering the castle site for stone and building material. Duntulm Castle laid abandoned and vulnerable to the elements.
-1990 (Collapse of the Tower)
Part of the later tower addition collapsed and fell into the sea.
-1992 (Scheduled Monument)
Duntulm Castle became a scheduled monument called SM5307.
Duntulm Castle Occupants
- 1300s: The mighty MacDonald clan built and occupied the first Duntulm Castle.
- 1400s: The MacDonald clan took up residence on the Isle of Sky, and the castle became the centre of their conflict.
- 1540: King James I visited the castle with the MacLeods as its owners.
- 1600s: The MacDonald clan occupied the castle once again.
- 1618: A royal charter settled the clan dispute, and the MacDonalds made the castle their main residence.
Images of Duntulm Castle
Images Supplied and licensed from Shutterstock Standard Licence Package
Duntulm Castle Q&A
What Remains of the Original Castle?
On a mighty basalt promontory 30 m (98.43 ft) above the pounding surf, Duntulm Castle stands in ruins. The castle site was fortified as early as the Iron Age, with the cliffs' protection on three sides. It was also a site of the Scottish clan wars, abandoned in the 1700s.
The 14th and 15th-century courtyard castle remains, situated on a cliff promontory with a man-made ditch that once protected the castle. Sections of the courtyard wall survive, some of which are 2 m (6.56 ft) thick. These walls bear 16th-century modifications that reflect the changing nature of artillery fortifications of the time.
The last surviving entrance is the sea gate in the north curtain wall. Although one wall of the original four-story residential tower remained at parapet level until 1990, it collapsed into the sea this year. All that survives of this structure is the vaulted basement kitchen.
The most recent building within the courtyard in the 17th-century northwest corner shows evidence of doorways and a window and joist holes along the western wall. The scheduled monument area covers an irregular shape and includes the castle, outer ditch, causeway, and the surrounding slopes.
Was the Castle the Scene of Deaths?
Legends tell of a nursemaid who accidentally dropped a wriggling child from a tower's window onto the rocks below. The child's father, Alexander MacDonald, had the nursemaid set adrift to sea in a small boat as punishment.
At the beginning of the 17th century, the unfortunate Hugh MacDonald, cousin to the MacLeods rival, was put to a slow, agonizing death in the Duntulm dungeons. Some say the MacDonalds gave him only salted beef and no water. Driven to madness, he attempted to eat his own hand.
Can You Visit Duntulm Castle?
Visitors may find the ruins of Duntulm Castle 26 mi (41.84 km) north of Portree on the Isle of Skye. The castle is in a state of disrepair, and the area fenced off due to structural instability. However, visitors may still approach the ruins and enjoy the impressive scenery that surrounds this forlorn landmark. Visitors may also enjoy viewing the cairn erected for the MacArthurs.
Is Duntulm Castle Haunted?
Duntulm Castle has a long history of supposed hauntings, as far back as the 17th century. The Ghost of Donald Gorm haunted the wine cellars of Duntulm Castle with his ghostly companions who made merry with the castle's wine cellar. Legend tells that ghosts were what prompted the MacDonalds to move from the castle to Monkstadt.
Margaret, the sister of Macloed of Dunvegan, is said to walk the ruins after being shunned in love after losing her eye. Some also say one may hear the nursemaid who dropped the chieftains' child screaming from the ruins, making this site quite a paranormal adventurer's delight.
Are There Historical Sites Nearby Duntulm?
The MacArthur Memorial Cairn stands near Duntulm Castle as a monument to the hereditary pipers of the MacArthur clan. These pipers not only provided music but also took the front line in battles signally tactical moves to the troops.
Charles MacArthur, the last hereditary piper to the MacDonalds, lies buried in Kilmuir Graveyard in the isle of Skye beside the castle. The inscription lies half-finished on the flat stone that marks the last piper's grave.
Is There a Trail in Duntulm Castle?
The Duntulm Castle trail is 1 km (0.62 mi) long out and back trail located in Portree. The walk features beautiful wildflowers and breathtaking ocean views with the Dultum Castle ruins in its path.
This walk is lovely in the warmer months when the flowers are in full bloom. This walk is suited for all skill levels and provides a historical interest and the natural beauty of the surrounding area. You may find more information about this lovely trail here.
Location of Duntulm Castle
Duntulm Castle was built over an earlier site, most likely a prehistoric fortification. The Trotternish location with steep cliffs on three sides made it ideal for the Nordic raiders to use the site to exert their control of the area. The stone ruins on view today are the remains of the 14th- and 15th-century structure and later additions.