Caisteal Maol
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Caisteal Maol is a ruined castle located near the harbour of the village of Kyleakin, Isle of Skye, Scotland. It is also known as Castle Moil, Castle Moal, Castle Moil, Dun Akyn[1], Dun Haakon and Castle Dunakin[2].
Contents |
[edit] History
The castle dates back to the 10th century, when it served as a lookout post and fortress. Alpín mac Echdach's great-grandson Findanus, the 4th MacKinnon chief, brought Dunakin into the clan around the year 900 by marrying a Norse princess nicknamed 'Saucy Mary'.
The castle was an old broch, or fortress, commanding the narrow sound between Skye and the mainland, through which all ships had to pass or else attempt the stormy passage of the Minch. Findanus and his bride ran a heavy chain across the sound and levied a toll on all shipping vessels. The Princess lies buried on Beinn-Caillaich in Skye, her face reputedly turned towards Norway. King Haakon IV assembled his fleet of longships beneath the castle of his namesake before the Battle of Largs in 1263. His defeat there effectively ended Norse domination of the islands. [3]
The castle is nearly completely ruined. In 1949 and 1989 parts of the ruins broke away in storms. The remaining ruins have been secured to prevent further deterioration [4]. No excavation of the ruins has been carried out, or is planned.
[edit] References
- ^ http://www.ukattraction.com/western-isles/castle-moil.htm
- ^ CLAN MACKINNON by John D. Keyser
- ^ Kyleakin history
- ^ Caisteal Maol
