- published: 01 Sep 2013
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Eilean Donan (Scottish Gaelic: Eilean Donnain) is a small island in Loch Duich in the western Highlands of Scotland. It is connected to the mainland by a footbridge and lies about half a mile from the village of Dornie. Eilean Donan (which means simply "island of Donnán") is named after Donnán of Eigg, a Celtic saint martyred in 617. Donnán is said to have established a church on the island, though no trace of this remains.
The island is dominated by a picturesque castle which is widely familiar from many photographs and appearances in film and television. The castle was founded in the 13th century, but was destroyed in the 18th century. The present buildings are the result of 20th century reconstruction. Eilean Donan Castle is the home of the Clan Macrae.
Eilean Donan is part of the Kintail National Scenic Area, one of 40 in Scotland. In 2001, the island had a population of just one person.
The presence of a vitrified fort was recorded on the island in 1912, though the nature of any early fortification is uncertain. In the 13th century, a large curtain-wall castle (wall of enceinte) was constructed. At this time the area was at the boundary of the Norse-Celtic Lordship of the Isles and the Earldom of Ross: Eilean Donan provided a strong defensive position against Norse expeditions. By the late 13th century it had become a stronghold of the Mackenzies of Kintail (later the Earls of Seaforth), who were vassals of the Earls of Ross. A tower house or keep was built at the north-east corner in the 14th century, and in the 15th century a smaller defensive enclosure. Having lost control in the 14th century, the Mackenzies obtained a charter of Eilean Donan in 1509, and in 1511 the Macraes, as protectors of the Mackenzies, became the hereditary Constables of the castle.
Eilean Donan Castle, Scotland
Eilean Donan Castle, Scotland
Eilean Donan Castle from the air via drone
Castles Of Scotland - Castles of Scotland - Series 01 - Episode 02
Christopher Lambert in Highlander, 1986 (feat. Eilean Donan Castle)
This is Your Fight Song (Rachel Platten Scottish Cover)
Eilean Donan Castle on the road to Skye
Castillo Eilean Donan by Toño aracata
Scottish Wedding at Eilean Donan Castle
ЗАМОК ЭЙЛЕН ДОНАН
Eilean Donan Castle & Loch Duich - Scotland
T&J; Scottish Wedding at Eilean Donan Castle
Eilean Donan Castle
Eilean Donan Castle