The Continuing Fortunes Of 'Rhundunan'

On returning to Skye from Ireland, Kenneth became Captain of one of two companies raised in Bracadale for the purpose of home defence. In 1811 he organised and led an emigration of his own kinsmen and other small tenants to America but he himself returned back to Scotland.

On the farm Kenneth continued what his father had begun. At the 'set' of 1792 he applied for and obtained an enlargement so as to include Bolinture and part of Glenbrittle. Thus by the end of the 18th century Rhundunan farm consisted of the Rhu, Leasol, Bolinture, a third of Glenbrittle and the Coolin forest as far north as the Allt Dearg (Red River) and as far east as Port Sgaille. (Port of Shadows) It also included the island of Soay. Arable and wintering for MacKenzie, Ardlochs stock from his 10,000 acre Tubeg farm. The farmstead was at the south end with the north side let to tenants.

For the time being the chief business of Rhundunan remained the rearing of black cattle. Beasts were sold at local fairs and taken south by drovers. The farm had horses and goats and also some native sheep. though no farm at this time on Skye was laid out entirely as sheep pasture. Kelp manufacture was another activity. The best shores were at Scavaig and Soay. A survey gave the estimate at an annual yield of five and three quarters tons.

Sheep farming came to Skye at the start of the 19th century and it was MacAskill himself who introduced it. His new breeds were branded with an 'S' and known in the district as 'Rhundunan' sheep. As early as 1803 Kenneth was complaining to fellow farmers about the cost and delays in getting customs clearance for shipment of wool to Liverpool. A few years later an agricultural survey reported, 'Sheep have lately been introduced as farm stock at Rhundunan, Gesto and Tallisker and they promise to do well. They are indeed the only proper stock for the Cuillen mountain districts.

Both the tweedale and cheviot have been found to thrive.'

The Cuillins

The Cuillins in western Skye are among the great natural wonders of Europe, and although some of the peaks do require climbing skills there are other summits well within the capability of normal walkers, while wonderful views of the range can be had without expending any energy at all. One of the classic views is across the dark waters of Loch Scavaig from the beach of Elgol, fourteen miles west of Broadford via the most beautiful road in Skye; the round trip can be made by post bus on working days and there are boat trips from Elgol to Loch Coruisk, run by Donald MacKinnon (01471/866 244). The northern starting point for exploration of the Black Cuillins is Sligachan, sixteen miles from Broadford along the main A850 coastal road; there's little more to this hamlet than the expensive Sligachan hotel (01478/650 204; $56-64), and a campsite. The most rewarding hike is down Glen Sligachan by the path to Loch Coruisk: the full return trip is a very long day's walk, though there's no need to proceed further than the Druim Hain ridge, five miles away, from which the whole of the Cuillins can be seen. Really serious hill-walkers head for Glenbrittle, fifteen miles southwest of Sligachan by road (daily bus each way), or eight miles by footpath. The youth hostel (mid-March to Sept; 01478/640 278; $8-16) here is a climbing centre, and guided hikes into the Cuillins are on offer. There's also a campsite not too far away by the beach (April-Sept; 01478/640 404; $8-16), but other accommodation is limited to a single B&B and holiday cottages that can only be rented by the week.

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