Island 134 - Eilean Donan, Scotland

I visited Eilean Donan Castle, which is probably one of the most photographed castles in Scotland, in 1976 but I am not sure how I forgot that it is on an island, the name alone should have reminded me!  The name means Donnan's Island.  Donnan was possibly an Irish Pict born c550 AD who travelled to Scotland to introduce Christianity to the people there.  He was martyred on the island of Eigg in 617.  After his death he was canonised.  He is said to have built a church or monastic cell on Eilean Donan but no traces of it remain.

The island is small and tidal.  It is located close to the village of Dornie and near to the point where three lochs meet: Alsh, Duich and Long.  The island is now linked to the mainland by a bridge. 

The original castle was built c1230 during the reign of King Alexander II to protect Kintail against the Vikings. It later became a stronghold of the Clans Mackenzie, Macrae and Maclennan.

The castle was destroyed in 1719 after some Spanish allies of the James Stuart, the Old Pretender (son of the deposed King James II), who had occupied it, surrendered to the British Navy.

The castle was rebuilt 1912-32 by Lieutenant Colonel John MacRae-Gilstrap, who bought the island in 1911.   The castle is open to the public from February to December.

Eilean Donan

 

Eilean Donan Castle

 

Low tide at Eilean Donan