Monuments to visit Hebrides

Its rectangular silhouette has dominated Loch Dunvegan since the 14th century and its beautiful walls were rebuilt between the 17th and 18th centuries. Seat of the MacLeod clan, it is the oldest continuously inhabited castle in the country. A visit is a must to appreciate its elegant interiors. The gardens surrounding the building are magnificent. Take advantage of your visit for a "seal trip" and embark on a seal watching cruise or a short observation cruise.

It is the oldest of Scotland's castles still inhabited; the MacLeods have been living there since the 13th century. Their motto is Hold Fast! ("Hang in there!"). The family never abandoned the building, its rock, and even less the Fairy Flag, an old piece of cloth that has caused many adventures.

The tour includes a visit to the castle, where you can see various objects from the MacLeod clan, but also the bedrooms, lounges and dungeons, as well as the gardens, created in the 19th century. The latter have become one of the largest horticultural gardens in Scotland.

Armadale Castle was the seat of the MacDonald of Sleat, a branch of the very powerful Donald clan. It was purchased by the Clan Donald Land Trust in 1971. The Museum of the Isles traces 1,500 years of clan history in the Islands and Highlands, with portraits of great chiefs, carved stones, reconstructions and a wealth of information in seven modern and educational galleries. There are pleasant gardens, where many walks are possible.

Kisimul Castle is the only true medieval castle still visible in the Outer Hebrides. Set in Castlebay, it is the seat of the MacNeils of Barra. It was built in the ^15th century on its splendid site, but they arrived on the island as early as the ^11th century. It was completely restored by a descendant of the family in the ^20th century. You can walk around its 3 floors and take a boat tour (included in the price) when it is open to the public. Be careful, it is currently under construction, you can only see it from the outside.

This noble fortress will be one of your first glimpses of Mull, coming by the ferry from Oban. In the shadow of the mountains, bathed by the waters, it is the historic home of the Maclean clan, perched on its rock since the 13th century. It passed into the hands of the Campbell clan in 1661 and was ravaged before being abandoned. Sold in 1911 to Sir Fitzroy Donald Maclean, it was returned to its original family and fully restored. The visit includes the dungeon, the great hall, the rooms, a historical exhibition and the small garden.