Eilean Donan Castle is one of the most famous castles in Scotland. It is a classic Scottish castle that attracts tourists worldwide, all eager to witness this breathtaking place and the majestic view it offers.
This castle is also the most photographed infrastructure in Scotland and has featured is several TV shows and movies including, famously, Highlander.
So if you’re looking for the next place to travel or explore, the castle might be something to explore. For a more detailed description of the Eilean Donan Castle, read on…
Where Is Eilean Donan Castle?
Located near the Isle of Skye, Eilean Donan Castle is situated on the West Coast of Scotland, between the sea lochs of Loch Long, Loch Duich, and Loch Alsh. Moreover, it is 90 minutes west of Inverness and about four and a half hours north of Edinburgh and Glasgow.
Strategically placed where three sea lochs meet and where it overlooks the Isle of Skye, it offers a breathtaking view of forested mountains and the lochs.
When Was It Built And By Whom?
The original castle was built during the 13th century, Alexander II built the Eilean Donan castle. However, it was extensively refurbished later on as we’ll see later on…
While other castles served as homes for royal families and stood as an open structure for the community to seek help, this castle was built to keep people out. Its primary purpose was to protect the people and land from being controlled by enemies and prevent destruction.
What Is The History Of Eilean Donan Castle?
Eilean Donan translates to the island of Donnan, named after a Celtic saint who came to Scotland around 580 AD. He was known as Donnán of Eigg. His legacies were building and founding communities and a chapel during the 7th Century, an extra step towards civilization and development.
The First Structure of Eilan Donan Castle
Contrary to its primary purpose at present, which is a tourist attraction, the first structure of the Eilan Donan castle was built in the 13th century as a defensive measure from the Vikings.
It served as a protective structure for the lands of Kintail between 800 to 1266 because of the ongoing incursions from enemies outside. The mid 13th century was a time of clan wars, raids, and control of islands, so building this defensive position was the perfect solution for that.
The Eilan Donan Castle Over the Centuries
As time passed by, the castle underwent various changes. It was considered the most extensive and highest structure in the area. It was made up of gigantic towers and extensive curtain walls that covered almost the whole island.
However, it was reduced to about a fifth of its size around the 14th century possibly due to the shortage of men required to defend the castle.
The following centuries were filled with various historical events, which caused the castle to be equipped with more defensive weapons. This also increased the historical importance of the Eilean Donan Castle. During the 16th century, the east wall was mounted with hornwork to make space for a firing platform for cannons.
An event in history went down in 1719 when the castle was garrisoned by 46 Spanish soldiers supporting the Jacobites. In a few words, Jacobites referred to people who supported the exiled king because they firmly believed that monarchs could not be removed.
With Spanish soldiers positioned around the castle, the Eilan Donan castle was attacked for three days which did nothing to break or shake the structure. An admirable detail to note was these castle walls were up to 14 feet thick, making them almost impenetrable by enemies. It was built to endure even the most intense attacks.
Although solid and sturdy, the castle was almost totally destroyed when government troops blew it up by lighting 343 barrels of gunpowder.
Two hundred years later, the debris and remains of the Eilean Donan castle remain untouched and neglected.
The Restoration and Reconstruction
The once highest and strongest structure was destroyed and unrecognizable until someone cared enough to buy and restore it, and that person was Lieutenant Colonel John Macrae-Gilstrap. He came across the island, bought it in 1911, then dedicated 20 years of his life (1912 to 1932) to bring back the former beauty of the Eilean Donan Castle.
It was finally finished in 1932, with everything the same because its reconstruction was based on its original ground plan.