Dun Ringill

Dun Ringill is an Iron Age hill fort on the Strathaird peninsula of Skye. It stands on the west shore of Loch Slapin, east of Kirkibost. The site was later fortified in the Middle Ages and became the seat of Clan MacKinnon for centuries. Tradition says the MacKinnons occupied it well before the 16th century. By the 16th century they moved their seat to Dunakin, but the fort remained in use until the 19th century.

The fort is a stacked stone ruin about four metres high with a ditch around the outer wall. Its most striking feature is a central doorway facing inland, standing nearly two metres tall. Inside are the remains of two rectangular buildings, similar to a broch’s layout. A stone wall once enclosed the area, probably for defence and livestock. Nearby lie traces of other buildings used from the fort’s early days until the 19th century.

The ruin overlooks Loch Slapin to the east and south. To the north and west stretches a hilly coastal plain. Earth and stone ramps lead down to the water on either side, likely used for easy access and shipping. The site’s position made sea travel the main way to reach it before roads were built. A song by Jethro Tull, written by Ian Anderson, also brought the place wider fame.