Eilean Donan is a small tidal island in the Scottish Highlands where a world-famous castle can be found. This castle, known as Eilean Donan Castle, is one of the most recognizable castles in Scotland and appears regularly in calendars, films, shortbread boxes and photographs. In addition to being a picturesque castle set in the middle of a body of water, Eilean Donan Castle is also famous for its history, especially its role during the Jacobite rising of the 17th and 18th centuries.
A holy holy place
When translated from Gaelic, Eilean Donan means ‘Island of Donan’. Eilean means ‘island’ and Donan comes from the name of a saint, Donnán of Eigg (also known as Donan). This saint lived from the 6th to 7th centuries, was probably of Irish descent, and is remembered for his efforts to convert the Picts of northwestern Scotland to Christianity. His work was unsuccessful and Donan was eventually martyred for his faith in the early 7th century.
The island lies at the junction of three sea lochs (‘Scottish lochs’), Loch Alsh, Loch Duich and Loch Long. The first of these lies to the west of Eilean Donan and separates the Isle of Skye from the mainland. To the southeast of the island is Loch Duich, which extends inland to the mouth of Glen Shiel.
Finally, Long Lake is located northeast of Eilean Donan and extends to the surrounding mountains. Occupying the location where these three lakes meet, Eilean Donan is geographically strategic.
Eilean Donan is geographically strategically located. ( hardyuno / Adobe Stock)
The importance of this island has been grasped by the people of the area since ancient times. For example, until the 1920s, the remains of Iron Age forts and settlements could still be seen on the island. Residents of such a settlement will be able to easily defend it from hostile forces and will be able to reach the surrounding areas through the lakes.
It has been suggested that at the end of the 6th century AD, the island was inhabited by a monastic community founded by Saint Donan. Therefore, the island became known as Eilean Donan. There are also several churches in the area dedicated to this saint.
Viking resistance from afar
However, it was only at the beginning of the 13th century that the first castle was built on the island. During that period, much of northern Scotland as well as the Western Isles were settled or controlled by Vikings. In addition, the Vikings also conducted raids in areas that were not under their rule.
So a castle was built on Eilean Donan as a defense against Viking raiders. King Alexander II or III and Farquar II, Earl of Ross, have both been named as possible founders of the castle. Not long after its construction, the castle was expanded. At its largest scale, the castle has seven towers and a curtain wall surrounding almost the entire island.
Eilean Donan Castle, Highlands, Scotland. ( Franco Bissoni / Adobe Stock)
However, around the end of the 14th century, the size of the castle was significantly reduced – to about one-fifth of its original size. The reason for this remains unclear, although it is thought that too many men were required to defend the great castle.
Spanish stronghold and destruction of Eilean Donan castle
Arguably the darkest part of Eilean Donan Castle’s history was when it played a role in the Jacobite uprisings of the 17th and 18th centuries. In 1719, the castle was occupied by 46 Western soldiers. Spain, who were part of a force sent to raise funds for support of the Jacobites in Scotland. However, the British received news of the plan and sent three frigates to deal with the problem.
The ships bombarded the castle for three days, although the defenders were well protected by its massive walls. A ground attack followed and the outnumbered Spanish troops surrendered. A Spanish magazine with over 300 (343 to be exact) barrels of gunpowder was discovered in the castle and it was used to blow up the structure.
The famous Eilean Donan Castle in a foggy spring morning, one of the most famous monuments in Scotland. (Aenyeth/Adobe Stock)
Reconstruction and reputation of Eilean Donan castle
The ruins of Eilean Donan Castle remained intact for about two centuries. But finally, in 1911, Lieutenant Colonel John Macrae-Gilstrap bought the island and over the next two decades he oversaw the rebuilding of the castle. A pedestrian bridge connecting the island to the mainland was also added during the reconstruction. The castle was completed in July 1932 and is today open to the public.
20th century rebuilt Eilean Donan, entrance to Highlands Loch Castle. ( CC0 )
And the public has arrived! This reconstructed medieval castle attracts thousands of tourists each year (The Scotsman estimates 500,000 visitors a year) as well as advertisers and film crews. Highlander, The World is Not Enough and Entrapment are just a few of the famous movies that feature castles.
Finally, what would the Scottish Highlands be without a few semi-mythical stories attached to it? In this case, Eilean Donan Castle has three particularly interesting stories. It was first suggested that this may have been a refuge for Robert the Bruce in 1306-1307 after his defeat at the Battle of Methven. There is also the ghost of a “mysterious lady” who is said to haunt its walls. And finally, it’s claimed a former castle constable can talk to birds.
