Knock Castle

Knock Castle stands on the east coast of Sleat in the Isle of Skye. It is a ruined stronghold once held by Clan MacLeod and later by Clan MacDonald. The castle lies south of Cnoc Uaine, near Knock Bay, about eight kilometres north of Armadale. Its oldest part is a 15th-century keep, now reduced to a single window and fragments of later walls. The site shows traces of buildings added over time before the castle fell into ruin. The castle’s history is marked by clan conflicts and shifting ownership. Built by the MacLeods, it was captured by the MacDonalds in the late 15th century. After several changes of hands, the MacDonalds remodelled it in 1596. By the late 17th century it was abandoned and left to decay, with much of its stone taken for nearby buildings. Local legend speaks of a Green Lady, a ghost whose mood reflects the family’s fortunes, and a gruagach, a spirit said to watch over livestock. Visitors reach the castle by following a trail up from a farm building. On the way, remains of a blacksmith’s forge can be seen on the right. The ruins are unstable and surrounded by steep cliffs, making the ground slippery when wet. Despite its decay, the site remains a scheduled monument, offering a glimpse of Skye’s turbulent past. The exposed location provides sweeping views across Knock Bay and the surrounding landscape.