Duntulm Castle
| Duntulm Castle | |
|---|---|
 Duntulm Castle seen from the east |
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| Creation time : | 14th Century |
| Castle type : | Höhenburg / Spornburg |
| Conservation status: | Ruin, in danger of collapsing |
| Geographical location | 57 ° 41 '3.1 " N , 6 ° 20' 49.3" W |
Duntulm Castle ( Scottish Gaelic : Dùn Thuilm ) is the ruins of a medieval mounting on the Trotternish peninsula on the island of Skye , an island of the Inner Hebrides in Scotland .
history
Duntulm Castle belonged to the MacDonald of Sleat clan , who built the fortification on a basalt rock in the 14th century. Irregular outer walls surrounded a four-story keep. Claims that an Iron Age Broch called Dun Dhaibhidh was built over could not be archaeologically proven.
In 1549 it is referred to as the "castell of Donntwyline" owned by Donald Gromsone.
Hugh MacDonald ( Uisdean Macghilleasbuig Chleirich ), the steward of North Uist , was incarcerated here in 1586 after a rebellion against his cousin Donald Gorm. Hugh reportedly planned to put Donald on Caisteal Uisdein and become Clan Chief in his place . He died in captivity.
In 1618 it became the residence of Donald MacDonald ( Donald Gorm Og ), the 9th clan chief, who previously resided at Dunscaith Castle . Already in 1617 he had contracted to the Scottish Privy Council to keep the fortress in good condition ("with all convenient diligence"). During this time, further modifications took place, including a second tower was built.
In 1732 Duntulm Castle was abandoned; then used as a quarry for the construction of Monkstadt House , the residence of Alexander MacDonald.
Duntulm Castle is today (as of 05/2010) in a very bad condition. Only ruins remain of the fortifications and buildings; the site is currently closed and fenced. Since the remains of the outer walls and the cliffs are threatening to plunge into the sea, a reopening of the facility seems unlikely. However, the fences are low, so you can visit the ruin - if at your own risk.
literature
- Mary Miers: Western Seaboard. An Illustrated Architectural Guide . Rutland Press, Edinburgh 2008, ISBN 978-1-873190-29-6 .
Web links
Individual evidence
- ↑ Entry on Duntulm Castle in Canmore, the database of Historic Environment Scotland (English)