Eilean Donan Castle

There is no doubt that Eilean Donan has one of the most spectacular locations of all Scottish castles, due to its location on a small tidal island in Loch Duich and its view over the spectacular Kintail hills and Kintail National Scenic Area.

There may have been a church constructed on the island by the Celtic saint Donnan of Eigg in the 7th century. The region has seen Viking activity and there have been occupants on the island at this time. There has certainly been a settlement here since the mid-13th century.

During the reign of King Alexander II (1214-1250), the first stronghold was built to defend the area from Norsemen who claimed the territory. Archaeologists believe the original stronghold was much bigger than the present building, with its defensive walls covering almost all of the island.

Eilean Donan Castle was built and extended several times over the next 500 years in an effort to protect Kintail’s lands from seaward threats. Its position was naturally well defended, jutting out into the water with a clear view of potential attackers on all directions.

For most of the castle’s existence it served as the stronghold of Clan Mackenzie who were dominant in the Kintail region around Eilean Donan. They lived in relative harmony with their allies Clan Macrae, some of whom lived and worked at Eilean Donan Castle.

The Mackenzies supported the Jacobite cause in 1719 in order to restore the Stuart King James VII to the throne. During the period clan feuds raged but were later settled, in part through the unity of the Jacobites.

Spanish troops hired by Mackenzies were billeted at Eilean Donan during the Jacobite rising of 1719, which ended in the Jacobites’ defeat at Glenshiel. According to local lore, they later blew up the castle, however this may have been instigated by the government to prevent the castle being used against them.

Regardless, the castle lay in ruin for almost 200 years until Lieutenant-Colonel Macrae-Gilstrap bought it in 1912. A British army officer, he was a prominent member of the Conchra branch of Clan Macrae. Although he wanted to preserve the castle, he eventually decided to restore it; work started in 1920 and was completed in 1932. He made it easier to get from the mainland to the castle by way of a new a footbridge.

The castle was first opened to visitors in 1955 in part to fund the running of the building. Macrae-Gilstrap died at Eilean Donan in 1937 and was buried nearby.