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Eilean Donan Caslte

Steven Thomson • 23 January 2021

Eilean Donan Castle: One of Scotland's most recognisable Castles.

The name Eilean Donan, or island of Donan,  probably comes from the 6th century Irish Saint, Bishop Donan who came to Scotland around 580 AD. In the early 13th century the first defensive structure was built on the island.  The castle played a part in the Jacobite risings which ultimately resulted in its destruction.  It lay in ruins for around 200 years until the island was purchased by Lt Colonel John Macrae-Gilstrap in 1911.

Lt Colonel John Macrae-Gilstrap and his Clerk of Works, Farquar Macrae,  spent the next 20 years  rebuilding the Castle to her former glory. The castle was rebuilt according to surviving ground plans and  was completed in the July of 1932.  The Castle walls are 14feet thick and the island has its own fresh water supply.

Eilean Donan is one of Scotland's most iconic Castles, surrounded by stunning scenery and at the meeting point of three sea lochs.  No wonder it has appeared in several movies, Highlander, James Bond and more.

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