Dunvegan Castle
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Dunvegan_Castle.jpg
Dunvegan Castle is a castle on the Isle of Skye, off the west coast of Scotland. It is the seat of the Macleod of MacLeod, chief of the major arm of the clan MacLeod. It is reputed to be the oldest continuously inhabited castle in Europe. Unlike many Scottish castles (which have come into state ownership or that of the National Trust), Dunvegan remains in the private ownership of the MacLeod family. It is a popular destination for tourists visiting the island.
The castle houses a number of family and clan relics; chief among them is the famous Fairie Flag of Dunvegan. Legend has it that this magical flag was given to the clan by the queen of the fairies in reward of a favour they had done her, and that waving it would enlist the fairies help in time of need. The flag is said to have been waved on two occasions, with a single use remaining. The flag is displayed in the castle's dining room, mounted in a picture frame. It is in a state of considerable decay.
External links
- Dunvegan Castle's homepage (http://www.dunvegancastle.com/)
- Dunvegan article at Castles.ORG (http://www.castles.org/Chatelaine/DUNVEGAN.HTM)