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Pinsteps. The Fairy Flag - "Am Bratach Sith" and History of the Main Tower Room
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Legends often have roots in historical facts, and the Fairy Flag of Dunvegan is the most treasured possession of the clan. According to legend, the flag was brought from Syria or Rhodes, woven from silk in the 4th century AD, and is believed to possess miraculous powers. When unfurled in battle, it is said to guarantee victory in seemingly hopeless situations.

The Crusader Version: During a crusade to the Holy Land, MacLeod was aided by a hermit in a mountain pass. The hermit warned him of an evil spirit guarding the pass, requiring a piece of the Holy Cross to pass. Despite this, MacLeod killed the spirit, the Daughter of Thunder, who before dying revealed the future of his clan and instructed him to use her belt as a flag.

The Fairy Tower Version: One night during a celebration at Dunvegan, the nurse laid the chief's son in his cradle in the Fairy Tower and joined the festivities in the Main Tower. The child woke and threw off his blanket, at which point fairies appeared, wrapped him in a silk shawl, and soothed him. When the nurse brought the child back, the room filled with the sound of invisible singers performing a lullaby.

The Fairy Bridge Version: Long ago, a fairy married a MacLeod. After years together, the chief felt he had to return to his lands. Parting on the Fairy Bridge three miles from Dunvegan, the fairy gave him a banner, saying it would bring victory when waved in the direst of battles but warned it could only be used three times.

When Sir Reginald MacLeod (27th Chief) preserved the Fairy Flag in the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, an expert, Mr. Wace, proposed a theory of its origin. He suggested it was brought to Britain by Norman Harald Hardrada, who raided pilgrimage routes in the Middle East, and was killed in 1066. Reginald, while listening politely, asserted the flag was gifted to his ancestor by fairies. Mr. Wace respectfully acknowledged Reginald's belief.

The belief in the saving power of "Am Bratach Sith" remains strong within the clan. In 1939, a fire threatened to destroy the castle, but the flames subsided when the flag was moved to safety. During WWII, clan pilots carried images of the flag as a talisman. Historical records mention two clan battles where the flag was waved at crucial moments, leading to victory. Regardless of the true origins, the clan continues to honor the Fairy Flag with great reverence and unwavering faith in its protective power.

Originally the Great Hall of the Main Tower, built in 1360 by King David II's masons for defense, this room served as the residence for the Chief, his family, and companions, and was the hub of the clan's cultural, political, and social life. Beneath the modern parquet floor lies the original medieval floor. In the 14th century, the stone walls rose two stories to an oak ceiling, with fireplaces at both ends and openings in the roof for smoke. In the 18th century, windows were fitted with arrow slits, walls adorned with tapestries and weapons, and the floor leveled with reeds.

Beautiful portraits of General Norman MacLeod (23rd Chief) and his wife Sarah Stackhouse, painted by Johann Zoffany in Calcutta around 1787, adorn the room. Sarah is depicted with their young son, the future 24th Chief, against an unmistakable Indian backdrop. The General is portrayed in his senior British army officer's uniform. In a letter, he described the portrait as “almost finished,” noting it resembled him but was “too handsome.” Sarah is shown in a camp setting, indicated by her black ostrich feather hat. Zoffany accurately depicted a scar on the General’s left temple, a result of a pistol shot from Tipu Sultan during negotiations after the Second Anglo-Mysore War. The General survived and returned to Dunvegan in 1792.

Discontent with a quiet life, he began renovating the Main Tower to create the elegant 18th-century drawing room seen today. Ignoring a prophecy of an early death for any Chief who tried to restore the castle, he died before completing the work. Nonetheless, his legacy is the sophisticated home for the clan’s most famous relic, the Fairy Flag of Dunvegan.

Notable furniture includes a George III mahogany three-top table for cards and tea, with four Dutch beech 18th-century chairs in walnut and floral marquetry. A portrait of the current Chief's grandmother in a 1920s Charleston dress hangs by the fireplace. She was one of the first women educated at Oxford. An enchanting portrait of the 25th Chief’s second wife playing the harp hangs by the right window, highlighting her age of 25 compared to the Chief’s 70. Their successful 14-year marriage ended with his death. She brought a Bösendorfer piano to the castle, played by the current Chief’s mother during chamber music festivals in the 1980s and 1990s.


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Evgeny Praisman
Edinbane to Dunvegan, Sligachan and Fairy Pools of Jul 17, 2023

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.

  1. Drive to Dunvegan

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.

  1. Boat Trip to See Seals

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.

  1. Visit Dunvegan Castle and Gardens

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.

  1. Drive to Sligachan and the Cuillin Mountains

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.

  1. Visit the Fairy Pools

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.

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Evgeny Praisman (author)
Здравствуйте! Меня зовут Женя, я путешественник и гид. Здесь я публикую свои путешествия и путеводители по городам и странам. Вы можете воспользоваться ими, как готовыми путеводителями, так и ресурсом для создания собственных маршрутов. Некоторые находятся в свободном доступе, некоторые открываются по промо коду. Чтобы получить промо код напишите мне сообщение на телефон +972 537907561 или на epraisman@gmail.com и я с радостью вам помогу! Иначе, зачем я всё это делаю?
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