Uig Tower

The Uig Tower stands on a headland above Uig Bay on the Isle of Skye in the Highlands. It is a round, two-storey folly built in the 19th century in a Norman style. The tower sits about two kilometres south of Uig village along the A87 road between Portree and Uig. It overlooks the southeastern side of the bay, facing Rubha Idrigil across the water. The building is listed at category B for its special architectural interest. Major William Fraser had the tower constructed around 1860 as a show of wealth. Fraser owned the Kilmuir Estate and was widely criticised for his role in the Highland Clearances. Tenants had to travel to the tower to pay rents to his Factor during this period. In 1884 Fraser tried to evict a family at Garafad in Staffin, which led to a rent strike and the arrival of naval ships and police in Uig Bay. The strike ended with the family remaining in their home. The tower has narrow vertical slits on its exterior decorated with cross shapes. These resemble castle arrow loops but serve no defensive purpose. After being used as a family home, the tower was abandoned in the 1950s. It is now privately owned by a local landowner. The interior is no longer accessible, but the exterior and its dramatic setting remain striking.