Grand designs in a most spectacular of settings

DUNVEGAN CASTLE

Dunvegan Skye

IV55 8WF

WHY SHOULD WE VISIT

Dunvegan Castle, which sits on a rocky promontory in the north of Skye, is the seat of the MacLeod of the MacLeod, chief of the clan and keeper of the Fairy Flag, a tattered silk remnant of ancient provenance, which is said to confer invincibility in battle.

With its dramatic setting, long history that spans 800 years, as well as beautiful gardens, the castle is a major attraction for visitors to Skye.

STORY OF THE GARDEN

The five acres of gardens were created in the 18th century when the fashion for formal gardens and planting exotic trees was spreading across the country.

During long periods however the gardens were neglected and it wasn’t until the 1980s that restoration began, fallen trees were removed, replanting got underway and the gardens began to flourish again. They’ve continued to be developed since then, with new features added amongst the historic layout and buildings.

HIGHLIGHTS

The water gardens are formed around a series of waterfalls and pools that tumble down the slope behind the castle.

Ornate bridges cross burns of crystal clear water, rare rhododendrons grow along the banks, while the lush foliage of giant gunnera and ligularia and the flowers of candelabra primulas add colour and texture. From the top of the slope there are views over the garden and the castle.

DON’T MISS

The castle’s former vegetable garden is now filled with flowers and at its centre is a 17th century lectern sundial.

Scotland is famous for its unique sundials and this is one of a number that occupy pride of place in many of the great homes around the country.

A pond in the garden is filled with water lilies while the stand-out feature is the ‘Dunvegan Pebble’, a rotating 2.7ton Carrara marble sculpture, which was installed in 2019.

The Round Garden has a formal parterre at its centre, which in summer is filled with flowers and overlooked by a mature monkey puzzle tree.

ANYTHING ELSE TO LOOK OUT FOR

Despite its northerly location, the gardens at Dunvegan Castle contain many Southern Hemisphere plants, including Embothrium and Crinodendrons from Chile.

There are roses too and fruit trees while the wilder areas form a link between the formal gardens and the backdrop of ocean, moors and the majestic Cuillin mountains.

BEST TIME TO VISIT

In May the rhododendrons are at their best, the fruit trees are smothered in blossom and wildflowers grow beneath the trees. Woodland walks offer strolls around the less formal areas of the garden and the sea surrounding the castle is turquoise.

ANY RECOMMENDATIONS IN THE AREA?

The spectacular Fairy Pools are located near the village of Carbost in Glenbrittle, which sits beneath the Cuillins.

Fed by tributaries of the River Brittle, the series of translucent pools and tumbling waterfalls, filled with pure mountain spring water, are one of the most photographed features on the island.

DIRECTIONS:

The castle is located one mile north of Dunvegan.

DETAILS:

Open daily, 10am 5.30pm.

Tickets (castle and garden) - £14/£11/£9 Tel: 01470 521206 info@dunvegancastle. com www.dunvegancastle. com