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North Highlands Highlight
Eilean Donan Castlefind accomodation in this area
Eilean Donan Castle, one of Scotland’s iconic landmarks, sits on a tidal island in Loch Duich. The Castle was reconstructed between 1911 and 1932 by Lt Colonel John Macrae-Gilstrap, who bought the island in 1911. With his Clerk of Works, Farquar Macrae, he used old plans to create this replica.
The first castle was built here in the 13th century, but its strategic position suggests that it was the site of much earlier defence works. The island is probably named after St Donan, who came over from Ireland about 580AD. There was possibly an early monastic settlement here.
During the first Jacobite rebellion, the castle was bombarded for several days by three Royal Navy frigates in 1719 when it was being held by a troupe of 46 Spanish soldiers. The castle walls stood up well to the cannons, but the Spanish were outnumbered and soon surrendered.
They had over 300 barrels of gunpowder but no cannon to shoot back with. The Navy then used this to demolish the castle which had valiantly resisted so many cannonballs. it remained ruinous for over 200 years.
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