| Dunvegan (picture by Peter Watts) |  |
Dunvegan
Dunvegan
Panorama overlooking Dunvegan and Loch Dunvegan on the Isle of Skye in Scotland.Dunvegan is on the western side of Skye. Dunvegan is most famous for Dunvegan Castle which is found a little north of the town on the eastern shore of Loch Dunvegan. This castle was built in about 1200, and has remained in the possession of the same family ever since. The home and clan seat of the MacLeod, Dunvegan Castle is a contender for the residence in continual possession of the same family. Dunvegan Castle and garden is one of the most popular tourist attractions on Skye.
The rest of Dunvegan has benefited from the popularity of Dunvegan castle, with a number of hotels and Bed and Breakfast (B&B) places springing up to serve the tourists who arrive. One of the cottages on the high street of Dunvegan was the residence of the 'Giant of MacAskill', who was 7'9" tall and lived here from 1825 to 1863. The cottage has now been turned into a museum.
In this panoramic photograph the two flat topped hills, called MacLeod's Tables, can be seen on the opposite side of Loch Dunvegan. The Northern MacLeod Table (Helabhal Mhor, 469m) is actually lower than the MacLeod's Table South (Helabhal Bheag, 488m). There is a second panorama from the pillar on the hill above Dunvegan, from which you can see much more of the surrounding area on Skye.
Dunvegan used to be a significant port. In the late 19C many steamers would arrive here from the Western Isles. Today the harbour is used by yachtsmen. The area is also well known for the seals that live in Loch Dunvegan, and boats regularly take tourists out to watch and photograph the seals.
Travel and Getting There
From Portree take the A87 for 5 miles and then the A850. This road passes along Loch Snizort Beag and Loch Greshornish before arriving in Dunvegan.
From Broadford, take the A87 north for 18 miles. At the junction at Loch Sligachan and Glen Sligachan, take the A863 west down Glen Dynoch for 6 miles. This road then heads north along Loch Harport and up the coast for another 17 miles to Dunvegan. This loop road continues on to link with the road from Uig and Staffin back to Portree.