Eilean Donan
Eilean Donan Castle, said to be the most romantic castle in Scotland, has been the hereditary seat for Clan MacRae since the 16th Century but its history starts well before that with an Iron Age settlement dating to about 500BC. Situated on a small tidal island at the mouth of Loch Duich, it has strategic advantage for it also looks upon Loch Long and Loch Alsh, and across to the south ofthe Isle of Skye.
There are two possibilities for how the name came to be. Eilean means island in Gaelic which is the easy part. Donan either relates to an early Christian missionary called St Donan who is believed to have preached in the area, or it is a corruption of the word dun, Gaelic for Fort.
According to Scottish historians the castle was built in the reign of Alexander II to protect the area of Kintail from the Vikings who were relentlessly attacking the area. Since then it was given to the Clan Mackenzie as a thank you from Robert the Bruce for their help in the Battle of Bannockburn. They in turn gave the castle to the MacRaes who became constables of the castles, keeping law and order in the area. Eilean Donan Castle was involved in the Jacobite Uprisings used by both the Government and Jacobites.
Eilean Donan Castle has been used in many films over the years including the film 'Highlander' - it was from here that the MacLeods were seen to march out to their first battle. It was also the Northern base of the Secret Service in 'The World is Not Enough' as well as Fortingall Castle in Elizabeth: The Golden Age, where Mary Queen of Scots was imprisioned.
Whilst enjoying Eilean Donan Castle:
- Hear the History and legends
- Take photographs of the picture perfect setting
Tours that stop by Eilean Donan Castle:
Other places that may be interest include:
