Our Dùns

Where there are duns in our midst, we can assume there have been Iron Age people. Dùn Bhuirbh is one example. Dùn Flòdaigearaidh is another, and it seems this one is dated at the BC/AD divide. Throughout Skye, brochs and duns are frequently situated near the coast, having been built onto promontories for defensive purposes. At Ellishadder, one is able to see the ring of duns surrounding Loch Mealt. They are named Dùn Dearg, Dùn Reisaborg, Dùn Grianan and Dùn Conavern. It is said that Dùn Dearg was one of the traditional places for lighting a fire to beckon forth the clans for fighting. The last time it was lit was for the 1745 rebellion.