Kyleakin

Scotland > Highland Counties > Isle of Skye > Kyleakin

Located on the Isle of Skye. The name of the village derives from the Gaelic: Caol Acain, meaning the 'Strait of Haakon' named after the Norse King Haakon who sailed through the strait on his way to defeat at the battle of Largs. The village of Kyleakin is the site of Castle Moil, an ancient fortress now in ruins.
In the 17th century the castle was abandoned. The remains have been secured, although they are in a very poor state.
Today, Kyleakin has to cope with more modern problems, in the past it was the gateway to Skye, connecting with the ferry from Kyle of Lochalsh. The new Skye Bridge, although improving car access to Skye has meant that the village is now somewhat bypassed.