The Castle Gardens

The Castle Gardens are situated on Loch Dunvegan in North West Skye. The Castle, the home of the Chiefs of the Clan MacLeod for nearly 800 years, is an imposing building standing on a rock beside the salt waters of the loch. The Gardens lie inland, backed by a considerable acreage of mature woodland. For Skye, essentially an island of barren moorland and hill, these woods and gardens are an oasis.

In 1650 a map of Skye was published which shows the island as possessing a large amount of probably natural woodland. Tradition has it that much of this was cut down because it hid bands of robbers: this could account for the scarcity of wood in Skye today!

However the 22nd Chief, 1706-1772, is said to have possessed a forest nursery near the Castle in order to supply his tenants with trees to plant around their houses.

He is also on record as having invited his guests to admire his first plantation of Sycamore trees. Although Sycamore is a first class front liner in seaside plantings, its inclusion in the Gardens, with its invasive, wide-spreading roots and prolific seeding, has proved something of a curse to later generations.

The Dunvegan Castle Gardens are home to many plants and shrubs from throughout the world. Over the years the head gardeners have produced an all year spectacle of colour and foliage.

The gardens have been extensively developed to include a Water Garden with its two waterfalls, Walled Garden, Spring Bank and Border, Driveway, Rose Valley Gardens, Greenhouses and Woodland walkway. So there is something for everyone who visits this enchanted Island.

FAILTE - WELCOME.