Stories from the road
The Day I Didn't Recognise the Chief of Clan MacLeod
As a MacIver, I take clans seriously. So you'd think I'd know a clan chief when I saw one. Not quite.
A routine airport run
I was collecting a gentleman from Inverness Airport who was picking up his car after a service. Nothing unusual. As we drove, I did what I always do and talked up the Highlands. I told him all about Dunvegan Castle on Skye, how special it is, how every guest I take there loves it.
He let me go on for a good while. Then he laughed and told me who he was: the chief of Clan MacLeod himself. Dunvegan is his family seat.
“Don't be embarrassed”
I wanted the ground to swallow me. He was a gentleman about it. He said it was nice not to be recognised for once, and kindly offered to come out and say hello if he's home when I bring guests. He's often away, so it hasn't happened yet. But I live in hope.
Why Dunvegan is worth the trip
Dunvegan has been the home of the MacLeod chiefs for around 800 years, making it the oldest continuously inhabited castle in Scotland. Inside you'll find the famous Fairy Flag, said to bring the clan victory in battle. Outside there are gardens running down to the loch, and in season you can take a boat out to see the seals.
It sits on our Isle of Skye day tour from Inverness, alongside Eilean Donan, the Fairy Pools and the Quiraing, all tailored to your pace.
Tracing your own clan?
If you've got Scottish roots, tell me your family name when you book. I'll build the day around your clan's lands, castles and stories. And who knows, we might bump into a chief.
Dunvegan sits on our Isle of Skye day tour from Inverness. Tell me your family name and I’ll build the day around your clan.
Book your private Isle of Skye tour