Hiding from the Macleods from the Isle of Skye, the Macdonalds hid for three days in the cave, before being discovered.
The Macleods blocked the entrance of the cave using vegetation which was then set alight.
Suffocated by smoke, the bodies of the Macdonalds were left in the cave. Although it is said there was one survivor, but this may have been because they were hiding in a separate cave.
The cave is reasonably easy to access, although is quite a walk so make sure you have plenty of fluids (something I think I failed on during any of the walks during the holiday) and as with any walking holiday, decent walking shoes. I walked from our tent to the main harbour area to have breakfast and then walked the journey to the cave. Although not signposted from the main road I managed to find the caves, mainly thanks to directions from the lady at the gift and craft shop at the harbour.
The area around the caves was beautiful. Rocky, and of course with sheep poo dotted everywhere (which after even an hour in Scotland you get used to).
Getting into the caves was relatively easy. However, due to the wet ground it was a little slippy so you need to be careful with your footing. I was able to get through the entrance without getting wet knees or a bumped head.
Although a little bit of light coming in through the entrance you could just about make out the inside of the cave. I came across a sheep skull which was placed on a higher rock.
With just a mobile phone torch for light, and the slippy floor, I didn't go too far in but he did.
Whether or not the facts about the massacre, and the story behind it, are true, its a beautiful cave to visit.
