Armadale Castle is the former home of the Macdonald clan chiefs on Skye, who lived here from the 1650s until 1925. Today, the castle is a ruin and the Armadale estate is owned and managed by the Clan Donald Lands Trust, a charitable organisation founded in the 1970s to conserve and promote Macdonald clan culture and history for its global diaspora. The Macdonalds are the only clan whose historic seat is held in the ownership of its clan members.

Thanks to its sheltered coastal location on the Gulf Stream, Armadale has a (relatively) warm climate and spectacular gardens, parts of which date back to the 18th Century. Several interesting tree species have been planted here over the course of the last 150 years and, together with the castle ruins and the Clan Museum, the grounds are a great draw for Macdonalds from around the world who consider Armadale their spiritual home.

To mark their marriage, James and Hugo (who one day will be the 35th chief of the Macdonald clan) are working with the Lands Trust management team to expand the arboretum at Armadale. A site next to the castle has been put aside and a plan is underway. It is a long term project that they will continue to contribute to over the course of their lives together, for the enjoyment of the people of Skye and all Macdonalds who come back to visit their homeland.

Should you wish to contribute in any way that helps get our project off the ground, we would be extremely grateful and will keep you informed about our progress.

Read more about Armadale here: https://www.armadalecastle.com