Castle Moil — Attraction in Skye

Caisteal Maol (Kyleakin Castle) is a ruined castle that overlooks the strait of Kyle Akin between Skye and the mainland dating back to the 1400’s, though the site has a much longer history. The castle is also known as Dun Akyn, Dunakin Castle, Kyleakin Castle, and means “bare castle”.

According to history, Clann Chief Findanus of Clann MacKinnon, who was the Great-Grandson of Pictish King Alpín mac Echdach of the MacAlpin dynasty, occupied this site in the 900’s, before the site was reused to build Caisteal Maol. Dunakin Castle was the home of Findanus and his Norse Princess known as “saucy Mary”.

The last occupant of Caisteal Maol was Neill MacKinnon around 1601, of Clann MacKinnon. Whilst the castle tower has been left to ruin, it has become a well known landmark and truly adds to the gorgeous landscape no matter the time of day or weather. Even if you don’t go to the castle itself you can get a gorgeous landscape photo just across from the castle on the small path.

If you are walking to the castle wear good footwear as the ground is very wet and boggy. The proper short path to the castle is accessible during low tide, but if the tide is in and you’re determined to visit then you need to walk around the boggy marshland which can be arduous, but worth it for the...

Definitely recommend visiting this place. Way back in 2004, my sister and I went to look at these ruins when a wee Westie accompanied us there. As we explored the castle ruins, the Westie stayed with us and took us back to town, where it then went off to its home. I absolutely fell in love with the breed and eventually got my own Westie (Finlay) in 2009. Unfortunately, Finlay passed away today but thank you for making me fall in love with the Westie breed. I will always have fond memories of Scotland and the...

Castle Moil is a ruin of a castle at the Village of Kyleakin originally built in the 15th century, although it reportedly was built before that. There is the tale of Saucy Mary. She was a Norwegian Princess who married the Mackinnon Clan Chief. The castle was finished in 1513. To raise money, a large chain was stretched across the Kyle that was lowered after ships paid the toll. Ship captains were infuriated, so in appeasement l, Saucy Mary would go topless on top of the tower...