Dun Sgathaich

Sgàthach an Eilean Sgitheanach - legendary Scottish warrior

Dun Sgathaich Castle also known as Duncaith Castle is a ruined castle on a rocky headland on the coast of the Isle of Skye, Scotland (Scottish Gaelic: An t-Eilean Sgitheanach, Alba). The remains of the curtain wall can be seen, but few of the internal structures. They possibly date to the 13th century, but the castle was built on the site of an older fortification. In Celtic legend it is said the rock and castle takes it's name from the legendary warrior queen Sgathaich and the Irish hero Cu Chulainn came here to learn the arts of war. 

The 13th century castle once belonged to the Clan MacDonald of Sleat, a branch of the Clan Donald or MacDonald. It fell into the hands of the Clan MacLeod in the 14th century, then held briefly by the MacAskills, allies of the MacLeods. The MacDonalds recaptured it in the 15th century. It was abandoned at some point in the early 17th century. However, there is little doubt that the island on which it stands will forever be associated with the great and legendary Scottish woman warrior Sgáthach.

Image: Scáthach (Scottish Gaelic: Sgàthach an Eilean Sgitheanach) legendary Scottish warrior. Carving by Allister Brebner.

Link: Transceltic: Sgáthach the legendary Scottish warrior queen.

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