Sunsets, Castles, & Saucy Mary
Afternoon walks to Caisteal Maol and the Legend of Saucy Mary
Opposite Kyle of Lochalsh and the Skye Bridge, just to the east of Kyleakin, the predominant ruins of Caisteal Maol sits perched on top of a small hill. While the castle is a fantastic viewpoint and lovely afternoon walking destination, it was once a Viking fort used to monitor the passing of ships through the Kyle.
The legend surprisingly is not based on the victories of a great King or warrior, nor the magic of a faerie or an elf, rather this story is based around a feisty Norwegian princess. Local legend says she laid a great big chain between her castle on the Isle of Skye across to the mainland, and no ship could pass safely without first paying the princess a toll. Once the toll was paid, the princess would let the ship pass. And then she would flash the sailors her boobs.
To add to the story, it is also said that her remains are said to be buried a the top of the mountain Bein Na Caillich (the hill of the old lady). She now resides high above all of Skye to keep watch and enjoy the aromas of freshly baked scones floating down wind from her beloved hometown.
This is the tale of “Saucy Mary,” a local legend on the Isle of Skye in Scotland. This amusing tale is a perfect example of the types of stories the Scots seem to like best — based loosely in fact and brought to life with expressive story telling and dirty humour. Now the fact here is that there WAS at one point a Norwegian princess on the Isle of Skye, and the ruins of Castle Moil are still there in Kyleakin, the rest however is left to the imagination of the Scots and local's love for folklore.
The castle is a magnificent lookout and great little walk if you are looking for some sight seeing in Kyleakin. Near the main car park in Kyleakin, follow the road around the bend and take the gravel path up to the cross on the hillock up to the viewpoint. This walk is short and straightforward, though you will cross a beach which is best avoided at high tide, and the last section up to the ruin is on steep grass. Once you are up there it is easy to understand why the castle was built here in this commanding position above the Kyle of Lochalsh.
I recommend trying to time it right so you can enjoy the magic of watching the sunset over the village. Even in winter when the sunsets are less vivid and partially hidden by the mountains, this view will still take your breathe away. I took this picture in late Autumn and apparently, this was not a particularly special one. I can only imagine how magnificent it would be on a good day in the Summer.