St Columba's Loch, in Skye, and its Ancient Canoes

The parish of Kilmuir, in the north end of Skye, is much less known to the tourist, the man of science, and the archaeologist than it ought to be. The sweet bay of Uig and the picturesque Quiraing are the only points visited, though a few more leisurely feet do find their way to Flora Macdonald's grave in the old churchyard near the sea. To the scenery-seeker and the geologist this forgotten extremity of Trotternish is peculiarly rich in ohjects of beauty and interest. 1 Here the historian may trace the scenes of ancient deeds done by the early Celts, the ravages of the Vikings, the feuds of the clans, the wild tales connected with the seats of the Macdonalds at Monkstadt and Duntulm, and other places; the visit of James V. to the Western Isles, when he called at Duntulm and gave his name to Portree, the King's Port, and similar numerous old stories connected with this district. Here the man of sentiment may see the spot where Prince Charlie landed from Uist with Flora Macdonald, the old mansion of Monkstadt where the heroine beguiled the Hanoverian captain and gave the prince time to go to Kingshurgh, where he slept; and he may visit the grave of one who has shed a brighter romance round the sad fortunes of that most hapless prince, 2 To the archaeologist and antiquarian, Kilmuir is also rich and interesting and full of valuable remains. It contains numerous examples of the ancient " duns " Or hill forts, six of which receive names in the parish 3 ; of cairns, some of which are large and chambered; of circles of standing-stones at various parts; of grave mounds and hut circles; of fine old ruins, such as the picturesque pile of Duntulm, occupying the site of a more ancient " dun "; of tills or chapels at different places ; of Highland huts, still largely primitive in their style ; the scenes of ancient customs and superstitions, as Loch Sianta, 4 or the Holy Loch; 6 and other interesting remains of primitive days

Archaeology · Geography · Geology · Historical Studies of British Isles · Scottish History and National Identity

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