Dunscaith Castle

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Dunscaith Castle

Dunscaith Castle ( also Sgathaich Dun, Dun Scaich or Tokavaig ) is a ruined castle in the commune of Sleat, about 40 km south-west of Portree on the Isle of Skye in Scotland.

History

Archaeological finds prove a castle from the 11th century on the site. These belonged to the Clan MacDonald of Sleat, a branch of the Clan MacDonald. Written is evidence that in the 14th century the Clan MacLeod took over the castle and began allies from the Clan MacAskill as a castle guard. In the early 15th century Dunscaith Castle was again taken over by the Clan MacDonald.

In one of the attempts to break the power of the Clan MacDonald, who was already at that time the most powerful clan in Scotland and at its head the title Lord of the Isles wore Dunscaith Castle was occupied in 1430 by King James I. troops. The Clan MacDonald was then, however, allowed to remain owners of the castle.

In the early 17th century, Clan MacDonald gave the castle and let them expire.

Construction phases

The castle is situated on a 15 meter high rock in the sea, which is separated by a gap of almost ten meters from the mainland. The original access through this gorge consisted of a from both sides protected with walls drawbridge. After the railway was followed by a goal after this one also led both sides provided with walls, stairs to the castle itself.

Parts of the original castle walls remain at the sea side yet. The wall is about two feet thick, made ​​of rubble stones of different sizes and built of one of the earliest surviving lime mortar in this region. The remaining buildings of the early castle, including a keep or tower house must have heard are to recognize only based grassy hill.

The existing drawbridge today and the rest of the walls and parts of buildings are from the late 16th and the early 17th century. Clearly visible are the courtyard with a fountain, and to the southeast the remains of a staircase that must have led to a tower or a wall-walk.