Clan MacLeod


Introduction

This afternoon I am reporting on the long line of hereditary chiefs of Clan Macleod and their seat at Dunvegan on the Isle of Skye.

 

Main entrance to Dunvegan Castle today 

 

Dunvegan Castle 

 Information on MacLeod Chiefs

MacLeod of MacLeod the chiefs of which have occupied Dunvegan Castle (above and below) on Isle of Skye for twenty generations. Over this long period of occupation the MacLeods have hemorrhaged some of their extensive lands due to inadequate (or non-existent) legal titles.

The MacLeods adhered to the Roman Catholic faith during turbulent times in the 17th and 18th centuries. They fought for the Royalist cause in the Civil War of the 17th century and suffered huge losses at the Battle of Worcester in 1651. However, the MacLeods are perhaps best known for their cultural achievements, viz:

  • 8th Chief, Alasdair Crotach, rebuilt the church of Rodel on Harris, built the Fairy Tower at Dunvegan and encouraged piping.
  • 15th Chief, Sir Roderick MacLeod encouraged pibroch (musical compositions), famous Gaelic harpist Roderick Morrison and poet Mary MacLeod.
  • 22nd Chief hosted Samuel Johnson and James Boswell at Dunvegan during their Hebridean tour in 1773 thus emphasising the importance of Dunvegan at the time.

 Seaward facing aspect of Dunvegan Castle.Historically, the castle was accessed by boat.

Dunvegan Castle 

 More information on Isle of Skye

For more information on Skye, other islands and Scotland in general please refer Visitors’ Guide to Scotland, ISBN 978-1-9161332-0-4.This publication is also available via Kindle.

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