#kyleakin

[timetravelphotography]

Skye Bridge | Kyleakin, UK

August 2007

July 2009

August 2013

[scotianostra]

On October 16th 1995 the bridge to the Isle of Skye opened.

Though it remains controversial, there is no doubt that the graceful bridge from Kyle of Lochalsh to Skye is more convenient than the ferries it replaces. The resulting increase in traffic to the island has been beneficial to inhabitants, both by increasing the amount of money coming in and by allowing them easier access to the mainland.

Initially a toll bridge it led to campaigners protesting, hundreds of people were convicted of refusing to pay the fee and they were eventually scrapped in December 2004.

Every so often the newspapers run story after it was questioned whether Skye was still an Island.

[copperthistle]

5/11/19

📍The sunrise at Kyleakin, Isle of Skye

[islagoldie]

Kyleakin (in Gaelic ‘Caol Àcain’) gets its name from the strait of Kyle Akin: a stretch of water at the entrance of Loch Alsh. Kyle means a narrow, strait of water. The name Akin likely comes from Acain, deriving from the name Haakon after King Haakon the IV of Norway who, supported by Gaelic forces from the Western Isles, anchored his fleet in Kyleakin prior to the battle fought against the Scottish King Alexander III, at Largs in 1263 AD. Another possible origin of Acain is that it is derived from Acunn, a Celtic mythological figure who’s legend has it that he, and his brother Riadh lived happily alongside each other in two towers, then one cold day Riadh stole a burning peat from Acunn’s tower to warm up his own. Acunn and Riadh had a terrible fight resulting in them scattering stones all over the bay of Glenelg. Castle Moil, now a ruin, was a fortress built in the late 15th century allegedly for a Norwegian princess known as 'Saucy Mary'. Princess Mary had imposed a toll for boats crossing the site and used a chain slung from the castle to the mainland to ensure their adherence. Once the crew had paid their toll, the princess would bare her breasts (maybe even give them a jiggle), hence the nickname 'Saucy Mary'.

[azvolrien]

The day of the Storr was my last full day on Skye. I had to check out of the cottage by 10, but I woke up earlier than I’d intended so I was already long gone by then. I stopped for a little while in Kyleakin, the small town which was once the ferry port from Kyle of Lochalsh, rendered unnecessary with the opening of the elegant Skye Bridge. It’s pretty quiet now, with the ruined Castle Moil overlooking the harbour.

[matagonia]

Vintage travel poster of the Isle of Skye, Inner Hebrides, Scotland, for British Railways ca. 1950s.  Artwork by Kenneth Steel (1906-1973).

[archaicwonder]

Caisteal Maol, Isle of Skye, Scotland

Caisteal Maol is also known as Castle Moil, Castle Maol, Dun Akyn, Dunakin Castle, Dun Haakon and Castle Dunakin. It is located near the harbor of the village of Kyleakin on the Isle of Skye. As an ancient seat of the Mackinnon clan, it was a fortress that commanded the strait of Kyle Akin between Skye and the mainland. All ships had to pass by there or else attempt to pass The Minch.

According to legend, Alpín mac Echdach’s great-grandson Findanus, the 4th MacKinnon chief, brought Dunakin into the clan around the year 900 by marrying a Norse princess nicknamed ‘Saucy Mary.’ Findanus and his bride ran a heavy chain across the sound and levied a toll on all shipping vessels. It is said that ’Saucy Mary’ lies buried on Beinn na Caillich on Skye with her face looking towards Norway.  Whatever the truth may be, there is reason to believe in the existence of a connection with Norway. King Haakon IV of Norway is thought to have assembled his fleet of longships there before the Battle of Largs in 1263.

Medieval and early modern documents also refer to the castle as Dunakin (Dun-Haakon), which again suggests a Norse connection. The present structure dates to the 15th or early 16th century, which is supported by historical documents and carbon dating. In 1513, a meeting of chiefs was held here and they agreed to support Donald MacDonald as Lord of the Isles. The last occupant of the castle was Neill MacKinnon, nephew of 26th chief of the clan (c. 1601). Photos by  Mike Peel

[taifunu]

You Can't Always Get What You Want (EXPLORED) by SkyeWeasel Via Flickr: An aurora had been forecast, but sadly the moon and clouds did not cooperate. A 20 second exposure made it possible to capture the railings of the bridge lit up by the headlights of a passing vehicle. Explored November 12, 2016.