Dun Sgathaich -
-
Dun Sciath
In Sleat - not far from
Tarskavaig at the bay of Ob Guascavaig - stand the ruins of Dun Sciath
- or as it is also spelled Dun Sgathaich - The Fort of the Shadow. The
castle must have been larger than the ruins that still can be seen.
When Iain
Borb Macleod was still a child his tutor, Iain Mushealbhach (John the
Ill Fated) lost Dun Sciath and Knock Castle to Donald
MacDonald. But when attacking Dun Bheagan
itself MacDonald was defeated by MacLeod of Lewis and a mixed army of Skye
and Lewismen. At a later stage of history from Knock
Castle the Chief of Clan Donald left for Dun Sgathaich, leaving Knock
as one of the fortresses of the Baronets of Sleat.
Dun Sgathaich was the stronghold of the MacDonalds
of Sleat for several centuries until after the
Battle of Trotternish. Thence they dwelt at Duntulm.
Like most of the duns in the Isle of Skye it may
as well have been there already in the Iron Age. It is Dun Sgathaich where
- according to Macpherson's Ossian - Cuchulain came to and the love of
his manhood - not Ireland. He becomes Chief of Dunscai and Chief of the
Island of Mist. His bride Bragela is brought to Dun Sgathaich and where
he dwells in happiness.
About 1539 Dun Sgathaich was left for Duntulm.
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-
Dun Sciath
