The fact that much of the land in Skye is not really suitable for large scale arable farming is undoubtedly why we have such a rich treasure of ancient structures which have survived to the present day. In the small area of the Uig Community, from the river Hinnisdal to Skudiburgh Head there are the remains of two brochs, two hill forts, a Viking fort and graveyard, one medieval castle, and around twenty “hut-circles”(ancient dwellings), and a ruined village deserted at the time of the clearances, in addition to standing stones and earthworks from early times.
If you are staying in this district these are all within walking distance.
So if you are interested in the early inhabitants of Skye, or the Viking period, the clan period, the Jacobite period or the clearances, evidence still remains of these times to be seen to-day.
Early Settlements There is clear evidence of a fairly significant settlement by the mouth of the river Hinnisdal with many “hut circles” in the area
Pictish Stone Markings Just south of the Uig at Tote (Tobhta) there is a standing stone on which Pictish marking can still be seen.
Viking Remains. To the north of Uig at Skudiburgh Head there is the remains of a Viking fort, to the west of Earlish there is what is believed to be a Viking cemetery.
Clan Period At South Cuidrach on a cliff by loch Snizort stands the ruin of Caisteal Uisdean (or Hugh’s castle) which belonged to Uisdean MacGilleasbuig Chleirich or Hugh MacDonald who wanted to become Chief of the MacDonalds of Skye, and planned to murder his cousin Donald Gorm Mòr the then Clan Chief. He failed in this attempt and died in Duntulm Castle dungeon just a few miles north of Uig.
South of Uig many clan battles were fought around the area of the river Snizort which formed a boundary between the MacDonalds and MacLeods who frequently fought over the Trotternish peninsular.
Jacobite Rising It was of course just north of Uig that Bonny Prince Charlie landed in the well known “Over the sea to Skye” song. He and Flora MacDonald landed just north of Monkstadt House in Kilmuir. As there were soldiers (Redcoats) at Monkstadt House at the time looking for him, he was led by MacDonald of Kingsburgh from there down through Uig to Kingsburgh House where he spent the night.
Flora MacDonald herself died in her house at Peighinn an Duin, just to the south of Earlish, and is buried at Kilmuir just to the north of Uig. This is the Flora MacDonald memorial.
Highland Clearances Much is now being written about the Highland Clearances when the local people were driven from their homes across the Highlands and Islands, and in many cases taken overseas to the “New World”
In this area, as indeed in many areas of the highlands there are many ruins which used to be active communities but exist no longer.
The Tower on the hill to the South of Uig village, across from the Uig Hotel, is a building very much associated with the Clearances. It was built by Captain Fraser, and was a place where the local crofters had to go to pay their rents to his Factor.
In the summer of 1884 Captain Fraser attempted unsuccessfully to evict a family at Garafad in Staffin during a rent strike of his tenants. The family were getting support from the local community. In his anger and frustration the brave Captain called for help from the Government claiming that the people were in riotous rebellion and asking for troops to put down the riots.
On Monday 18th of November 1884 the people of Uig awoke to find a flotilla of naval ships in Uig Bay. At least three ships were anchored there the “Locheil” the “Assistance” and the Gun Boat “Forester” and were busy unloading stores, police and marines who were taking up positions in Uig.
There is a long story about this attempt to use troops against the people during this period of our history; however it can be reported that the rent strike was not broken, and the family remained in their home, when the police and military left a few days later.
Modern History The people of Uig are to this day involved in historical developments, and not merely passive observers. The community bought and refurbished the local Filling Station when it was closed down, and badly run down.
The community own the Filling Station/Shop/ and Café down by the pier, and lease it out to a local business.
People from Uig played a prominent part in the long campaign to force the Government to take the huge tolls off the Skye Bridge. This campaign lasted for over 9 years, with many people in Uig charged in the Criminal Courts just for refusing to pay the toll; some were arrested and even imprisoned for their opposition to the tolls. In the end they won the day and the tolls were lifted from us, and from visitors to Skye
Museum of Highland Life We would like to thank the Museum for contributing to this page.
