The most famous treasure held at Dunvegan Castle is the fairy flag, a tattered piece of silk which research has shown to be from around AD400 to AD700

Dunvegan Castle on the Isle of Skye, was built upon land that was inherited by Leod, a son of the King of the Isle of Man in 1237, and has remained the home of the Macleods (meaning – son of Leod) ever since.

Before his death in 1280, Leod constructed a stone fortification with the only entrance until the 18th century being via a sea gate. This was to enable supplies to enter the castle if it came under siege from the landward side.

Subsequent alterations to Dunvegan castle were a keep built between 1340 and 1360 by Malcolm, the 3rd Chief. A Fairy tower was built around 1500 with minor improvements until 1700.

The castle saw several minor conflicts during its history. The first being in the early part of the 15th century when Dunvegan was besieged by the Macdonalds of Sleat and again in 1557 when it was captured by Iain Dubh, a relative who had aspirations of being the legitimate chief.



Dunvegans most famous treasure is the fairy flag, a tattered piece of silk which research has shown to be from around AD400 to AD700.

Some believe it to be the famous banner of Landoda, which was brought back from Palestine by Harald Haardraade an ancestor of Leod. It has been raised in times of conflict and has been attributed to the victories at Glendale and Trumpan.

Whatever its origin, it is held in high esteem by the clan and is ready to be called upon by the Macleods in the future when the time arises.