The Legend of ‘Saucy’ Mary

Norse influences continue to be prominent in the Western Islands of Scotland. Family names can be traced back to their Norse-Gael origins. Place names and legends are deeply connected to the Vikings. This is also true for Kyleakin (Caol Àcain), a village on the Kyle Akin strait, named after the renowned King Haakon IV.

Near the village, on a promontory overlooking the strait, lie the ruins of Caisteal Maol, known in the late Middle Ages as 'Dunakin'. This castle was constructed by the MacKinnons in the late fifteenth century. Carbon dating of parts of the remains indicates that the existing castle was built between 1490 and 1513. However, it is believed that an earlier fort once stood here, which was home to a Norwegian Princess who controlled the entrance to the loch.

According to legend, the castle was constructed by a Norwegian Princess known as 'Saucy Mary,' who was married to a Mackinnon chief. It is believed she earned money by stretching a large chain across the Kyle, collecting tolls from all ships passing through the narrows, except those from her native Norway.

Upon her death, she was buried beneath a cairn on nearby Beinn na Caillaich, allowing the winds from her homeland to pass over her resting place. The massive ancient cairn of the Norwegian Princess still stands at the summit of Beinn na Caillaich, which rises to 2,402 ft (732 m).

Below are the ruins of Caisteal Maol, situated in a picturesque location with a commanding view above the Kyle of Lochalsh. This stronghold was once said to be the Princess’s home, from which she controlled the surrounding waters. Even today, the castle ruins are an impressive sight, illuminated at night, standing proudly as a reminder of the legend of the Norwegian Princess who guarded the strait of Kyle Akin.