Dunscaith Castle / Isle of Skye **

Region: Isle of Skye & Kyle of Lochalsh

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Description:

The castle of Dunscaith, or more correctly Dun Sgathaich, i.e. the Dun of the Shadow, was the original seat of the MacDonalds in Skye. The Isle of Skye formed part of the Earldom of Ross and therefore did not come into the possession of the Family of the Isles until the inheritance of that earldom by Alexander, 3rd Lord of the Isles. Efforts had been made by Alexander's father, Donald, 2^nd  Lord of the Isles, to obtain the earldom in right of his wife's claim but in spite of a vigorous military campaign which climaxed in the famous Battle of Harlaw in 1411, had been thwarted by the Regent Albany. Donald's efforts included making inroads into the Isle of Skye, which were successfully resisted by the inhabitants, i.e. the MacLeods of Harris and Dunvegan.