Castles of Clan MacLeod
Dunvegan Castle
Dunvegan Castle has been the ancestral home of the Chiefs of Clan MacLeod of Harris and Dunvegan for over 800 years, making it the oldest continuously inhabited castle in Scotland. The castle sits on a rocky promontory on the Isle of Skye, overlooking Loch Dunvegan. It houses the legendary Fairy Flag, believed to bring victory in battle, and features a blend of medieval and Victorian architecture with extensive gardens.
Duntulm Castle
Located on the Trotternish peninsula of the Isle of Skye, Duntulm Castle was once held by the MacLeods of Harris before passing to Clan MacDonald in the 15th century. The castle’s dramatic clifftop ruins overlook the sea and were once a key stronghold during the MacLeod-MacDonald conflicts. Its strategic location made it a focal point in the struggle for control of northern Skye.
Knock Castle (Castle Camus)
Knock Castle, also known as Castle Camus, was built by the MacLeods of Dunvegan in the 14th century and guarded the southern approaches to Skye. Located near Knock Bay on the Sleat Peninsula, it was lost to Clan MacDonald in the 15th century. The ruins remain on a coastal promontory, showing remnants of its medieval tower and walls.
Stornoway Castle (MacLeod’s Castle)
Originally the seat of the MacLeods of Lewis, Stornoway Castle once stood on a tidal islet in Stornoway Harbour. It was the main base of Siol Torquil (MacLeods of Lewis) until their fall in the early 17th century. The castle was demolished in the 17th century, and no visible traces remain today. It played a key role in regional power struggles between the MacLeods, Mackenzies, and the Crown.
Assynt Castle (Eilean Assynt)
Situated on an island in Loch Assynt in Sutherland, Assynt Castle was held by the MacLeods of Lewis (Assynt branch) from the 14th to the 16th century. Granted by King David II to Torkil MacLeod, the castle played a key defensive role before being replaced by nearby Ardvreck Castle. Only foundation remnants remain today.
Ardvreck Castle
Built around 1490 by the MacLeods of Assynt, Ardvreck Castle lies on a rocky promontory in Loch Assynt. It was the site of the capture of the Marquis of Montrose in 1650 and was besieged and taken by the Mackenzies in 1672. The castle’s dramatic ruins, including a partial tower, remain a prominent landmark.
Brochel Castle
Perched on a basalt crag on the Isle of Raasay, Brochel Castle was the seat of the MacLeods of Raasay, a cadet branch of the MacLeods of Lewis. Built in the early 16th century by Malcolm Garbh MacLeod, it was abandoned in the late 17th century. The castle’s precarious ruins exemplify defensive ingenuity and rugged Highland architecture.
Cadboll Castle
Located near Tain in Easter Ross, Cadboll Castle was held by the MacLeods of Cadboll in the 16th century. It changed hands to the Sinclairs by the late 16th century. The ruins are minimal and on private land, with only partial vaulted chambers surviving.
Geanies Castle
Geanies Castle, near Tarbat Ness in Easter Ross, was the seat of the MacLeods of Geanies until it passed to the Sinclairs in the early 17th century. The original structure likely no longer exists, replaced by later buildings. Its historical significance lies in its role as a mainland stronghold.
Castle Leod
Castle Leod, located in Strathpeffer, is primarily associated with Clan Mackenzie but has ties to Clan MacLeod through the marriage of Margaret MacLeod to Sir Rory Mackenzie in the early 17th century. Though not a MacLeod seat, it represents important inter-clan alliances. The castle is well-preserved and remains a residence.
Eilean Ghuidhe (Eilean Ghruididh)
Eilean Ghuidhe is a small island on Loch Maree in Wester Ross, once believed to have been a MacLeod of Lewis fort. Likely taken from the MacBeaths around 1430, it served as a defensive site until lost to the Mackenzies. Today, only faint traces of stonework remain on the overgrown island.
Castles Loosely Associated with Clan MacLeod:
Lews Castle
Located in Stornoway on the Isle of Lewis, Lews Castle was built in the 19th century by Sir James Matheson and later purchased by Lord Leverhulme. While not constructed by the MacLeods, it stands on ancestral MacLeod territory and symbolizes the region once ruled by the MacLeods of Lewis.
Raasay House
Raasay House, built in the 18th century near the site of Brochel Castle, became the seat of the MacLeods of Raasay after they abandoned their clifftop fortress. Though not a medieval castle, it served as the residence of the clan chiefs and hosted visitors such as James Boswell and Samuel Johnson in 1773.
Calda House
Situated near Ardvreck Castle on Loch Assynt, Calda House was built by the Mackenzies in the early 18th century after they took Assynt from the MacLeods. Though constructed after MacLeod ownership ended, it lies on former clan territory and adds to the historical landscape.
References:
- Clan MacLeod Society. (n.d.). Castle Histories. Retrieved March 26, 2025.
- Coventry, Martin. (2008). Castles of the Clans: The Strongholds and Seats of 750 Scottish Families and Clans.
- Historic Environment Scotland. (n.d.). Canmore Database. Retrieved March 26, 2025.