Knock Castle, Medieval castle ruins in Sleat, Isle of Skye, Scotland.
Knock Castle consists of ruins of a fortress on a rocky headland in Knock Bay, with stone walls of a former keep still standing. The remains extend across the site and give a sense of the original structure of this medieval building.
The MacDonald clan captured this fortress from the MacLeods in the early 1400s, and King James I's forces took control during their 1431 campaign. This quick succession of ownership changes shows how contested control of the Hebrides was during that period.
The fortress carries two names in the Gaelic language: Caisteal Uaine and Caisteal Camus, reflecting the deep Highland linguistic traditions of the region. These names show how closely the place remains tied to the Gaelic-speaking communities that have inhabited these lands for centuries.
Access requires following an unmarked path along a river that flows into Knock Bay, so visitors should pay attention to their surroundings. The walls are partly unstable, so care is needed and sturdy footwear is recommended.
At the strategic location of the ruins sits a natural rock cleft that created a sheltered harbor for medieval ships. This geological feature made the site an ideal refuge for vessels navigating the rough Atlantic.
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