Dunvegan Castle & Gardens Dunvegan Castle & Gardens

Sir Reginald MacLeod (27th Chief) was the first Chief to open Dunvegan Castle to the public in 1933 for charitable purposes two days a week. Since then, the number of visitors has risen from a few hundred to hundreds of thousands. Despite such numbers crowding into a space that was designed to keep people out, we do everything we can to maintain this atmosphere of a family home while sharing our passion for Dunvegan’s historic collection with you.

Covering ten different building periods from 1200 to the 1850s, Dunvegan Castle today has a unified design with Victorian dummy pepper-pots and defensive battlements running the whole length of the roof line. This romantic restoration was carried out by the 25th Chief between 1840 and 1850, but underneath this outer skin there remains a series of five separate buildings each with its own unique character and story to tell.

The picturesque quality of the castle itself is matched by its glorious surroundings. Ane starke strengthe biggit upon ane craig, as it was described by a writer in 1549; and so it still remains. Rising sheer from the perpendicular edges of the rock, its massive battlements ‘Hold Fast’ against an unrivalled backdrop of sky, mountains and sea. The landward side of the castle is now sheltered by extensive formal gardens and woodlands.

The castle collection contains many beautiful paintings and important heirlooms such as the mystical Fairy Flag and Sir Rory Mor’s (15th Chief) ceremonial drinking horn and gourd. Although much has been lost, Dunvegan preserves the legends of the famous clan MacLeod which is rich with the twists and turns of history.

Over the centuries, Dunvegan has welcomed visitors including Sir Walter Scott, Dr Johnson and Boswell, HM Queen Elizabeth II, HRH The Duke and Duchess of Rothesay, Crown Prince Naruhito of Japan and HM King Charles III and Queen Camilla. We look forward to welcoming you.

Dunvegan Castle is one the greatest Hebridean castles and the only Highland fortress to have been continuously occupied by the same family for 800 years.

Architecturally it is a building of high importance, containing the work of at least ten building periods ranging from the 1200s to the 1850s. Dunvegan Castle today has a unified design with Victorian dummy pepper-pots and defensive battlements running the whole length of the roof line. This romantic restoration was carried out by the 25th Chief between 1840 and 1850 to the plans of Robert Brown of Edinburgh at a total cost of £8,000. Underneath this outer skin however, there remains a series of five separate buildings each with its own unique character and story to tell.   The tone is set by the imposing land bridge leading to the colonnaded portico entrance built by John Norman (24th Chief) in 1814. From its impressive entrance hall to its ornately decorated State Rooms, the castle is a unique mix of building styles that reflect the requirements of the clan Chiefs who built them over the centuries.

If you want to discover the authentic spirit of the Isles, you will find it at Dunvegan where the castle and its wonderful collection represent the very essence of all that Gaeldom represents in the Highlands and Islands.

THE MACLEOD MOTTO – HOLD FAST
On his way back from a clandestine meeting in Glenelg, Malcolm MacLeod, 3rd Chief, was confronted 
by a wild bull near a wood. As he wrestled with it, his clansmen who were waiting by the shore shouted,
‘Hold Fast MacLeod’. He overcame the bull and dispatched it with his dirk. Hence the motto of the clan, 
‘Hold Fast’, which has been the family crest even since. 

AM BRATACH SITH – THE FAIRY FLAG OF DUNVEGAN
The precious Fairy Flag of Dunvegan is the most treasured relic of the Clan MacLeod. Probably from 
Syria or Rhodes and woven in silk in the 4th century AD, legend has it that this sacred banner has 
miraculous powers. When unfurled in battle, the clan would invariably snatch victory from the jaws of 
defeat. 

Originally designed as a fortress to keep people out, today you can tour an award-winning castle and Highland estate steeped in history and clan legend, delight in the beauty of its formal gardens, take a boat trip to see the Loch Dunvegan seal colony, stay in one of our five charming holiday cottages, browse in one of our shops which feature quality local and Scottish gifts, or satisfy your appetite at the MacLeod Tables Cafe.

Your support is greatly appreciated. It will help us to preserve, develop and share this iconic part of Scotland’s heritage for future generations to enjoy.