This evening I am focusing on what may well be the most photographed castle in Scotland, Eilean Donan or island of Donan. This castle is strategically positioned at the junction of three sea lochs, Loch Long, Loch Duich and Loch Alsh. This location was important in bygone days when the sea was the major highway. Equally important for modern visitors, the castle is conveniently situated on the route between Loch Ness and Isle of Skye.


The actual site has a history dating back to the Iron Age. In the 13th century there was a castle on the site when it was held by Kenneth Mackenzie. Subsequently, in 1362, the MacRae clan came to the area and became constables of the castle in 1511. After attacks by the MacDonalds in 1539 and the Jacobites in 1715 the castle was ruined and abandoned after bombardment by Government frigates in 1719.

During the early years of the 20th century the castle was rebuilt under the supervision of Lt.Col, John MacRae-Gilstrap and Farquhar MacRae. This rebuild was based on the ground plan of earlier phases of the castle and took from 1913 until 1932 to complete at cost of GBP250K, an enormous sum of money in those days.

Key features of the castle are: Courtyard, Billeting Room, Banqueting Hall, Bedrooms and Kitchen with the latter very much reflecting the style of the 1930s. Outside there is the war memorial plaque which records all those members of the MacRae Clan who died in WW1.

The castle featured in the film the Highlander with Sean Connery and Christopher Lambert plus minor roles in other films and TV programmes.

Labels: Eilean Donan

posted by Nigel Cole @ 12:13 PM