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Unish House, c.1602-5; 18th century alterations Believed to have been built for Sir James Spens (c.1560s-1632 ) of Wormiston, a house in Fife with which it shared a remarkably similar ground floor plan. Spens, who from 1608 became a leading diplomat and later army officer in the Swedish service, was one of the Fife Adventurers (see p.265). Unish was described as 'perhaps the earliest truly domestic building in Skye' by the historian David Roberts, who argued a convincing case for its significance. Although it might appear to have originated as a fairly crude dwelling, evidence suggests wider influences. Early features bearing an affinity with 16th century east coast merchants' houses include a doorway through the base of the slightly projecting lateral chimneystack on the north front, and evidence that the ground floor was virtually windowless, with a heated hall above. An inscription of 1745 suggests the date of the remodelling to form a standard three-bay house (significantly, the first floor was originally five bays), with a circular stair turret added to the south front. The building is lime mortared and has put logs for securing thatch. During the 18th century it was the principal house for Waternish (a Macleod tack until 1797). To the east lie remains of an early 19th century courtyard farm and enclosures, and the abandoned township of Bail an Tailleir, first documented in 1708.


Taken from "Western Seaboard: An Illustrated Architectural Guide", by Mary Miers, 2008. Published by the Rutland Press Link

Created: Wed, 12 May 2010, Updated: Wed, 12 May 2010