Dun Torvaig

Dun Torvaig (NG 4937 4422)  Visted 29/11/16

Directions: This Dun could be accessed from the Scorrybreac circuit but we walked along the Torvaig road from Dun Gerashader.  At the end of the Torvaig road a path (sign posted) goes off to the left and a rough track continues straight on.  Take the rough track.  A short way along a footpath sign can be seen near a kissing gate.  Go through this gate and through the next two (all very close together).  Having passed through the third gate, leave the footpath and follow a faint path along the fence line around the rocky knoll and up the next rocky knoll where the stones of Dun Torvaig can be seen.

Like Gerashader, Dun Torvaig offers some stunning views: over the sound of Raasay, Portree Bay and back to Gerashader itself.  Dun Gerashader is visible in the distance.

 

 Like Dun Gerashader – it is a lovely site but not very photogenic in terms of its structure as there is little left to see. 

Dun Torvaig is believed to be early iron age although some believed it to have been “Scandinavian” 

Image from : http://www.scotlandsplaces.gov.uk/digital-volumes/ordnance-survey-name-books/inverness-shire-os-name-books-1876-1878/inverness-shire-skye-volume-08/42#zoom=2&lat=1157&lon=1612&layers=B the OS book of names   

Both Torvaig and Gerashader are similar to promontory forts except that in both cases they are constructed on inland ridges rather than peninsular promontories.

The two circular structures shown on the plan are both visible.  Canmore suggests that one is a more recent structure and the other could be simply fortuitous tumble.

Immediately to the north of the outworks is a level ledge “about 7m in diameter, which although probably natural, would make an excellent hut stance.”[1]

Myths and Legends: This area was definitely popular with the fairies[2]

A relative of Donald Murchison, who was employed as a herd boy on the farm of Scorybreck, fell asleep on a hill known as Dun Torvaig. Awaking from a heavy sleep, he found himself surrounded by fairies, and was a delighted spectator of their feasting and dancing. Meanwhile, in his home, he was mourned for as dead, and sad funeral feasts and loud wailing (and the latter is most heartrending) filled the house. What was the astonishment of the mourners when he arrived home, safe and well. Three weeks had elapsed, but he refused to believe it, and said, "It was the fine long sleep I had, but who would be sleeping the three weeks? It was but half a day I was after sleeping." He was safe and well certainly but never again the same lad, for he was ever distraught in manner, and ever sighing for the joys of the fairy-haunted Dun.

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[1] https://canmore.org.uk/site/11300/skye-dun-torvaig.  Accessed 30/11/16

[2]   MacCulloch , Mary Julia (Jun. 30, 1922), Folk-Lore of the Isle of Skye, Folklore, Vol. 33, No. 2. Quoted at http://www.themodernantiquarian.com/site/9649/dun_torvaig.html 30/11/16 accessed 30/11/16