The Northern Hall, located on the upper floors, is the remaining part of a three-story barracks built by General MacLeod (23rd Chief) to house soldiers he recruited to form a regiment, later known as the 2nd Battalion Black Watch. The General, commanding Highlanders including Fraser's Highlanders, traveled from Greenock to America for the War of Independence. Captured by an American privateer, he befriended George Washington during his captivity. After his release, he fought in the British army in India. The original colors (flags) of his regiment hang behind glass, flanking a portrait of John MacLeod (29th Chief), who posed for the portrait in the room’s window niche.
The barracks were eventually demolished and replaced with a Victorian baronial billiard room, explaining the room's oval dome. The hall houses some of the castle's most valuable items, including Jacobite relics. Chief among these is the Dunvegan Cup, a medieval chalice gifted by O'Neill of Ulster to Sir Rory Mor for his support in their conspiracy against Queen Elizabeth I in 1596. Nearby is Rory Mor's drinking horn, which male heirs must drink from in one sitting without falling. The last to accomplish this was John MacLeod (29th Chief), who finished it in 1 minute and 57 seconds.
Displayed is equipment Sir Walter Scott advised Highland chiefs to wear during George IV’s visit to Edinburgh in 1822. John Norman (24th Chief) followed this advice to the letter, seen in full Highland regalia in a vestibule portrait. A filigree box on the top shelf was a gift from the Queen of Kannur in India. When his troops besieged her city, she surrendered and proposed marriage. He declined, citing his family, to which she reportedly replied, “it does not matter.”
Ironically, enemies in one generation can become friends in the next. An example is the Jacobite relics owner, exhibited in the central display case. During the 1745 uprising, the MacLeod chief opposed Bonnie Prince Charlie, yet years later, Flora MacDonald, who helped the Prince escape, lived in Dunvegan with her daughter, married to the young MacLeod’s tutor. Personal items of Flora MacDonald, including her corset, needle case, and a lock of the Prince’s hair, are displayed here.
A massive elephant tusk, one of the largest in private collections, was gifted to Norman Magnus (26th Chief) by Arthur Henry Neumann, a famed Victorian big-game hunter. Norman Magnus, a political commissioner for the Zulu in South Africa in the 1870s, supported Neumann. Neumann wrote part of his book, "Elephant Hunting in East Equatorial Africa," at Dunvegan, invited by Norman for its quietude. Visitors often ask if the tusk is mammoth due to its size.
A charming lion portrait by Vastagh Geza, painted in 1892, is referred to by Sir Reginald MacLeod (27th Chief) as “the most beautiful of all Chiefs.”
A One-Day Trip from : Exploring the Beauty of Skye
Start your journey in the charming village of Edinbane, located on the Isle of Skye. This one-day itinerary will take you through stunning landscapes, historical sites, and natural wonders.
Begin your day with a short drive from Edinbane to Dunvegan. This scenic route offers beautiful views of the rugged Skye landscape. The drive takes about 20 minutes, giving you plenty of time to enjoy the morning light over the hills and lochs.
Once in Dunvegan, head to the pier for a boat trip to see the seal colonies. These excursions typically last about an hour and offer a close-up view of seals lounging on the rocks and frolicking in the water. The boat trip is an excellent opportunity to appreciate the coastal beauty of Skye and its abundant wildlife.
Next, visit Dunvegan Castle, the ancestral home of the MacLeod clan. Explore the castle's richly decorated rooms filled with historical artifacts and family heirlooms. After touring the castle, take a leisurely walk through the extensive gardens, which include formal gardens, woodland areas, and a charming walled garden. The castle and its grounds provide a fascinating glimpse into the history and heritage of the Isle of Skye.
After exploring Dunvegan, drive to Sligachan, located at the base of the Cuillin Mountains. This area is renowned for its dramatic scenery and is a popular spot for hikers and photographers. The Sligachan Old Bridge is a particularly picturesque location, offering stunning views of the mountains and the surrounding landscape. Spend some time here taking photos and enjoying the natural beauty.
End your day with a visit to the Fairy Pools near Glen Brittle. These crystal-clear pools and cascading waterfalls are one of Skye's most enchanting attractions. The hike to the Fairy Pools takes about 20 minutes from the car park, leading you through a scenic valley. The vibrant colors of the pools and the surrounding greenery create a magical atmosphere, especially in the late afternoon light.
Summary
This one-day trip from Edinbane to Dunvegan allows you to experience the best of the Isle of Skye. From a boat trip to see seals and a visit to the historic Dunvegan Castle to the scenic beauty of Sligachan and the enchanting Fairy Pools, this itinerary offers a perfect blend of natural wonders and historical exploration. Be sure to bring your camera and comfortable walking shoes to fully enjoy this memorable journey.