Clan MacLeod Memorial Cairn
A windswept stone cairn on Skye’s east coast, honoring the legacy of Clan MacLeod and their deep roots in the Hebrides.
Perched on a windswept headland on the Isle of Skye, the Clan MacLeod Memorial Cairn is a simple stone monument honoring the history and legacy of Clan MacLeod. Located near the ruins of Trumpan Church, it commemorates the clan’s deep roots in Skye and their enduring presence in Scottish history. The cairn offers sweeping views across the sea to the Outer Hebrides and stands as a quiet, reflective spot for visitors exploring Skye’s rich Gaelic heritage.
A brief summary to Clan MacLeod Memorial Cairn
- Isle of Skye, Trumpan, GB
- Duration: 0.5 to 1.5 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 3 out of 5
Local tips
- Visit in calm, clear weather for the best views across the Minch to the Outer Hebrides and to appreciate the cairn’s dramatic coastal setting.
- Combine your visit with a look at the nearby ruins of Trumpan Church to gain a fuller sense of the area’s history and the tragic events of the 16th century.
- Wear sturdy footwear and waterproof clothing; the ground can be wet and uneven, and the exposed headland is often windy and exposed to sea spray.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
Getting There
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Car
From Broadford, follow the A850 north along Skye’s east coast for about 25 km, then turn onto minor roads toward Trumpan. The cairn is a short walk from a small parking area near the road, with a rough path leading to the headland.
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Walking
From the nearby Trumpan area, the cairn is reached via a coastal footpath of about 15–20 minutes. The path is uneven and can be muddy; sturdy footwear is essential, especially in wet weather.
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Public Transport
Regular bus services run along the A850 between Broadford and Portree. From a stop near Trumpan, the cairn is a 20–30 minute walk along local roads and a footpath, suitable for experienced walkers in good weather.
Clan MacLeod Memorial Cairn location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Windy Conditions
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Clan MacLeod Memorial Cairn
A Quiet Tribute to a Highland Clan
Standing on a rugged promontory near the village of Trumpan on Skye’s east coast, the Clan MacLeod Memorial Cairn is a modest but meaningful stone monument dedicated to one of Scotland’s most storied clans. Unlike grand castles or elaborate tombs, this cairn speaks through simplicity: a carefully stacked pile of local stone, weathered by salt and wind, marking a place of memory and identity. It was built through contributions from MacLeods and supporters around the world, serving as a modern gathering point for those who trace their roots to this proud Highland family.Roots in Skye and the MacLeod Story
The cairn’s location is deeply symbolic. Skye has been the ancestral heartland of Clan MacLeod for over eight centuries, with Dunvegan Castle on the northern part of the island serving as the clan’s historic seat. The MacLeods of Harris and Dunvegan, descended from Leod in the 13th century, became renowned for their resilience, martial skill, and cultural contributions, including the famous Fairy Flag and their hereditary pipers, the MacCrimmons. The cairn stands as a reminder of this long lineage, connecting visitors to a history of clan loyalty, feuds with the MacDonalds, and participation in pivotal moments like the Jacobite uprisings.Trumpan and the Weight of History
Nearby lie the ruins of Trumpan Church, a site steeped in tragedy and memory. In 1578, during a bitter feud between the MacLeods and the MacDonalds of Clanranald, the church was set on fire during a service, killing many worshippers. This event, known as the Trumpan Massacre, is one of the darkest chapters in the island’s history. The cairn’s proximity to these ruins adds a layer of solemnity, inviting quiet reflection on the complex, often violent, past of the clans and the enduring strength of Highland communities in the face of loss.Views and the Spirit of the Landscape
The cairn occupies a dramatic coastal setting, with open views across the Minch toward the Outer Hebrides. On clear days, the sea glitters under the sky, and the silhouette of distant islands emerges on the horizon. The surrounding landscape is typical of Skye’s east coast: rocky headlands, grassy slopes, and the constant presence of the sea. This wild, exposed environment mirrors the character of the MacLeods themselves—tough, independent, and deeply tied to their land. The cairn is not just a monument to people, but to a place and a way of life shaped by the sea, the mountains, and the Gaelic language.Visiting the Cairn Today
Today, the cairn is a peaceful stop for walkers, history enthusiasts, and those exploring Skye’s clan heritage. There are no formal facilities at the site, and access is via a short walk from the nearby road, often over uneven ground. Visitors often leave small tokens or stones as a gesture of respect, continuing an ancient tradition of marking significant places with simple offerings. The cairn is especially moving at dawn or dusk, when the light softens and the sound of the waves and wind creates a contemplative atmosphere, making it a natural spot for quiet thought or remembrance.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Clan MacLeod Memorial Cairn
0.0 km
A windswept stone cairn on Skye’s east coast, honoring the legacy of Clan MacLeod and their deep roots in the Hebrides.
Ardmore Arches
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Dun Osdale
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Neist Point Lighthouse
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Iron age broch
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Old Ruins
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Clachan Erisco Standing stones, Borve, Isle of Skye
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Eilean Glas Lighthouse
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Sound of Harris
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Temple Harris
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Pairc an t-Srath Guest House
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Harris House
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Visit Outer Hebrides
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Kinloch Castle
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Kylerhea Minor Lighthouse
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Unmissable attractions to see
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Giant Angus MacAskill Museum
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Neist Point Cliff Lighthouse Viewpoint
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Castle Ewen
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Basalt pavement
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Rubha Hunish
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St. Columba’s Isle
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Explore St. Columba’s Isle, a sacred burial ground and historic ecclesiastical site embodying centuries of Skye’s spiritual heritage.
An Corran Beach
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St Clement's Church : Rodel
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Amar River Viewpoint
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The Mission House Studio Ltd
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Seal Viewing Point With Telescope
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Gesto Bay Viewpoint
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An leth-allt view point
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Dun Ardtreck
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Essential places to dine
Loch Bay Restaurant
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The Three Chimneys and The House Over-by
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The Dunvegan, Isle of Skye
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The Bistro at Atholl House Skye
16.1 km
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Old School Restaurant
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SKYE Restaurant
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Historic Victorian lodge on Isle of Skye’s northern coast with stunning sea views, refined dining, and access to iconic Highland landscapes.
Lingay House
31.3 km
Experience warm hospitality, modern comfort, and stunning loch views at Lingay House, a charming B&B and restaurant on the Isle of Harris.
Bays Of Harris Community Centre
31.3 km
A welcoming cultural hub on the Isle of Harris offering hearty local fare, lively ceilidhs, and vibrant community spirit in a scenic coastal setting.
The Anchorage Restaurant, Cafe & Bar
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Butty Bus
31.6 km
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Cuchullin Restaurant
31.8 km
Experience the freshest Scottish seafood in the heart of Portree’s lively Somerled Square at Cuchullin Restaurant.
Antlers Bar and Grill
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The Caledonian Cafe
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Tianavaig Restaurant
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Scorrybreac Restaurant
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Scottish Tablet from Isle of Skye - Highland Favours
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GIFTSHOP
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Fasgadh Stores
15.7 km
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Hendersons World
16.4 km
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Kelpie Gallery & Gift Shop
16.7 km
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Grannie Annie's
28.5 km
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Anna Eastwood Jewellery
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David's sausages
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Harris Community Shop (An Clachan)
31.4 km
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Home in the Highlands Portree
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Skye Batiks
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Isle of Skye Distillers
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Skye souvenirs
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ÒR
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Tippecanoe
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
The Stein Inn
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The Ferry Inn
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Isle of Harris Brewery
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The Isles Inn
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West Highlands Bar
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Merchant Bar
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An Talla Mòr Eighteen Twenty
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The Bar at Scorrybreac
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The Bothy
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The Auld Bridge Inn
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The Old Inn & Waterfront Bunkhouse
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Ardhasaig House Hotel and Restaurant
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Westford Inn
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The Badachro Inn
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Gabbro Bar
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Nightclubs & after hour spots
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Number 5
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The Scaladale Centre
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Red fox
76.5 km
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Relaxing
- Unique
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Sacred Sites
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Panoramas
- Waterfront
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
- Instagrammable
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Low Impact
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Leave-No-Trace Critical
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Mindfulness
- Meditation Spot
- Myth & Legends
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
- Requires Hike
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
