Eilean Donan Castle

Scotland > Highland Counties > Ross and Cromarty > Eilean Donan Castle

The picturesque and world famous Eilean Donan Castle is featured worldwide in many photographs and calendars promoting the scenic beauty of Scotland.
The castle itself dates from the 12th century and the island it sits on is also called Eilean Donan. The castle was originally built by King Alexander II, however over the next many centuries the castle changed hands several times.
Spanish troops occupied the castle in 1719 during the Jacobite rising and the castle was then put into a state of ruin by the government as retribution.
The picturesque castle lay in ruins until 1912 when Colonel John MacRae-Gilstrap bought it and began to restore it to its former glory.
The re-building was completed in 1949 and since then it has stood tall and proud with a newly added bridge that links the castle island to the shore.