Introduction

This evening, I am posting information on Eilean Donan Castle, one of Scotland’s top visitor attractions.

Location of the castle

This castle is located close to the village of Dornie, about eleven miles east of Kyleakin on Skye. Alternatively, the castle is seventy miles south-west of Inverness in the Scottish Highlands.

The site (in medieval times) was ideal for controlling the waterways. Location is junction of lochs Long, Alsh and Duich which provide access to the sea.

Video clip of Eilean Donan Castle

Information on the castle

A summary history of the castle is provided below.

• There is a record of a castle on the site from the 13th century. Prior to that there is evidence of fortifications dating back to the Iron-Age, about two thousand years ago.
• The island and castle take their name from a seventh century AD Christian missionary named Donan. This person was martyred on the Isle of Eigg in AD 618.
• Ownership granted to Colin Mackenzie by King Alexander III in mid-13th century.
• Reached peak size in 13th-14th centuries with two towers.
• Reduced in size during 15th century.
• During 16th-17th centuries a modest enlargement occurred, principally to include a hornwork or firing platform for the new technology of cannons.
• Blown up by Government forces during the Jacobite uprising of 1719. After this date the castle lay in ruins until early 20th century.
• Between 1913 and 1932 the castle was rebuilt to a design similar to the original. This  project inspired and managed by Lt. Col, John MacRae-Gilstrap and Farquhar MacRae.
• The principal aspects of the castle today are: Courtyard, Billeting Room, Banqueting Hall, Bedrooms and Kitchen Range. The interior is of the 1930s period.

Today the Clan MacRae Society is based at Eilean Donan Castle. At the castle there is a memorial to all those of Clan MacRae who died in the First World War.

The castle has featured as a location in the following films and T.V. productions:

• Bonnie Prince Charlie starring David Niven (1948)
• The Master of Ballantrae starring Errol Flynn (1953)
• The New Avengers (1976)
• Highlander (1986)
• Loch Ness (1996)
• James Bond – The World is Not Enough (1999)

Tours of the castle are available. There is also a Visitor Centre with a shop and restaurant facilities.

More information

Eilean Donan Castle and many other historic castles feature in the publication Visitors’ Guide to Scotland. The guide contains a wide range of information for the tourist. ISBN is 978-1-9161332-0-4. Also available via Kindle.