Tel: 01599 555202 Web: www.eileandonancastle.com. 14th-century tower of three storeys and a gabled garret. Farquhar initially resisted, and despite interventions by the young Kenneth, had to be marched out by Lochslin and George Mackenzie (later Earl of Cromartie). [37] In June 1654 General Monck, Oliver Cromwell's military governor in Scotland, marched through Kintail while suppressing the uprising. In 1714 while surveying fortifications for the government, the military engineer Lewis Petit made the only surviving drawing of Eilean Donan. At the beginning of May, the Royal Navy sent ships to the area. The main tower has a flush parapet, with open rounds and A small house was constructed within the southeast angle of the wall, with a circular stair-tower on its northern side giving access to the walkway along the eastern curtain wall. Above the door is a Gaelic inscription which in translation reads: "As long as there is a Macrae inside, there will never be a Fraser outside", referring to a bond of kinship between the two clans, and a similar inscription which once adorned the Fraser's home at Beaufort Castle. Sgurr Uran is a traditional 2-storey stone cottage on the shores of Loch Long, 15 minutes walk from Dornie village centre, and 20 minutes walk from Eilean Donan Castle. [5][6], In the earlier thirteenth century, during the reign of Alexander II (ruled 1214–1249), a large curtain-wall castle (wall of enceinte) was constructed that enclosed much of the island. Saved by Mary McCrea ... Eilean Donan. [69] However, the presence of a door on its eastern side is shown in 19th century photographs, indicating that it was built as the main entrance to the castle. [2] In 2001, the island had a recorded population of just one person,[3] but there were no "usual residents" at the time of the 2011 census. [63] The tower measured 16.5 by 12.4 m (54 ft 2 in by 40 ft 8 in), with walls 3 m (9 ft 10 in) thick. a donjon or keep] upon a rock, with another tower compasd with a fair barmkin wall, with orchards and trees, al within ane yland of the lenth of twa pair of butts [i.e. His troops destroyed much property, and stole 360 of Farquhar Macrae's cattle, though only one man was killed. The chiefs of the Scottish highland Clan Mackenzie were historically known as the Mackenzies of Kintail.By tradition the Mackenzie chiefs descend from Kenneth Mackenzie, 1st of Kintail (d. 1304) however their earliest ancestor proven by contemporary evidence is Alexander Mackenzie, 6th of Kintail (d. 1488). After attending Edinburgh University and taking holy orders, in 1618 he was appointed constable of the castle and minister of Kintail on the death of Murdoch Murchison. More development within this courtyard took place in the 16th century, as well as the addition of defences on the eastern side. [75], The castle is today entered from the south, via a modern portal complete with a portcullis. [34] Farquhar was thus the last constable to dwell in Eilean Donan until its reconstruction, although he retained the ministry of Kintail until his death in 1662, at the age of 82. William Mackenzie, 5th Earl of Seaforth, had it garrisoned Scant remains of these walls can be traced on the ground, running around the northern end of the island. Macrae-Gilstrap also established a war memorial dedicated to the men of the MacRae clan who died in the First World War. This is one of the most picturesque and most photographed castles in the world . Shortly thereafter the garrison departed. Travel. [67], In the later 16th century, the castle was extended eastward to create a bastion or "hornwork", providing a more securely defended entrance. Preview our unique range of Eilean Donan Castle prints and gifts including fashion face masks, t-shirts,phone cases , metal prints, throw pillows, stickers and hoodies. Eilean Donan is part of the Kintail National Scenic Area, one of 40 in Scotland. Discover (and save!) Tigh Tasgaidh in Dornie is There is said to be many ghosts in Stirling. In the evening under the cover of an intense cannonade, a detachment went ashore in the ships' boats and captured the castle against little resistance. The ghost of one of the Spanish troops, killed either at the castle or the nearby battle, is said to haunt the castle. [20][22] John of Killin obtained a further charter of Kintail and Eilean Donan in 1509. In preparation 50 wrongdoers were rounded up and executed, their heads being displayed on the castle walls to Moray's approval. Eilean Donan Castle: Beautiful old lady - See 4,313 traveller reviews, 4,335 candid photos, and great deals for Kyle of Lochalsh, UK, at Tripadvisor. [9] Traditional Mackenzie clan histories relate that Earl William sought advantage from the Treaty of Perth of 1266, by which King Magnus VI of Norway ceded the Hebrides to Scotland, and demanded that his kinsman Kenneth Mackenzie return the castle to allow his expansion into the islands. [64], At an unknown period, probably in the later 14th century or early 15th century, the outer wall was abandoned in favour of a smaller defensive enclosure, around 25 m (82 ft) square. Eilean Donan Castle is one of the most recognised castles in Scotland, and probably appears on more shortbread tins and calendars than any other. [71][72] Although the rebuilding followed the extant ground plan, the details of the present castle differ from its original appearance. As a result, and after many adventures overseas, he gained wealth, power, and the respect of Alexander II, who asked him to build the castle to defend his realm. Eilean Donan Castle is een van oorsprong dertiende-eeuws kasteel, gelegen op 0,8 kilometer afstand van Dornie, op een eiland in Loch Duich in de Schotse regio Highland.Aan het begin van de achttiende eeuw werd het kasteel opgeblazen. Eilean Donan Castle tours , gifts and prints. [58], The only drawing of the castle prior to its destruction was made in 1714 by Lewis Petit (c. 1665–1720), a military engineer with the Board of Ordnance who came to Scotland in 1714 to survey Fort William and other defences in the area. [4] Rather than a genuinely medieval castle, Eilean Donan is described as "a romantic reincarnation in the tradition of early 20th-century castle revivals. Also nicknamed Europes Most photographed castle – Eilean Donan has a vast past that is far from picture perfect. [39] Four years later, it was completely demolished, and, by 1912, very little of the castle was still standing. James then arrested him, along with the other chiefs, on their arrival. [54] It featured prominently in Highlander (1986) as the home of Clan MacLeod, was backdrop to a dance scene in the Bollywood movie Kuch Kuch Hota Hai in 1998,[55] and served as the Scottish headquarters of MI6 in The World Is Not Enough in 1999. Eilean Donan was opened to the public in 1955,[45] and has since become a popular attraction: over 314,000 people visited in 2009, making it the third-most-visited castle in Scotland. Allegedly among them was the young Alexander Mackenzie, 6th Earl of Kintail. A major Jacobite uprising took place in 1715. The portal gives access to the courtyard, the level of which has been lowered exposing the bedrock around the tower house. The castle was captured by the Earl of Huntly in 1504, and in 1509 the MacRaes Send a free Edinburgh Castle Halloween e-card. Travel Destinations. [17] During his lairdship Alexander appears to have supported the monarchy against the MacDonald Lords of the Isles and was allegedly rewarded by another charter of Kintail in 1463. [48], The castle is regularly described as one of the most photographed monuments in Scotland,[49][50] and is a recognised Scottish icon, frequently appearing on packaging and advertising for shortbread, whisky and other products. His eerie apparition has been seen often in the gift shop, clutching his head underneath his arm. No remains of any Christian buildings survive, though fragments of vitrified stone, subjected to very high temperatures, have been discovered indicating the presence of an Iron Age or early medieval fortification. James IV supplied a ship to support the enterprise. A series of Jacobite risings followed, leading to an increased military presence in Scotland as government forces attempted to penetrate and subdue the Highlands. Robert the Bruce was sheltered here in 1306. Above on the first floor is the Banqueting Hall with an oak ceiling, and decorated with coats of arms and 15th-century style fireplace. STIRLING CASTLE. Adjoining ranges of outbuildings and fortifications were added in later centuries. Nijo Castle... . From the bridge, access to the castle would have been up a flight of steps, into the triangular courtyard, and through the gate in the east curtain wall. The water-filled interior would have been crossed by a removable bridge, presenting an obstacle to attackers. It is possible that the hexagonal bastion was roofed to serve as an artillery position. Asia Destinations. The constable refused however, and John's supporters laid siege. Tel: 01599 511440. [61][62] A tower house or keep was built against the curtain wall at the high point of the island, probably in the 14th century. After a series of retaliatory raids, Donald Gorm learned that Eilean Donan was weakly garrisoned and launched a surprise attack. The battle was indecisive and the rising collapsed soon after. [63], The present castle buildings are entirely the result of 20th-century reconstruction by Gilstrap-Macrae, who commissioned Edinburgh architect George Mackie Watson to draw up the plans. [31] In 1635 George Mackenzie, 2nd Earl of Seaforth, appointed Farquhar as tutor to his six-year-old son Kenneth, who was subsequently raised at Eilean Donan. Although quite ruinous, it was completely rebuilt The expected uprising of Highlanders did not occur, and the main Spanish invasion force never arrived. Lieutenant-Colonel John Macrae-Gilstrap's twentieth-century reconstruction of the ruins produced the present buildings. said to haunt one of the bedrooms. This structure, 11.5 m (37 ft 9 in) across, contains a well at its lowest level, 5 m (16 ft) across and 10 m (33 ft) deep. Another apparition, Lady Mary, is [32], In the civil wars of the mid 17th century, the Earl of Seaforth sided with Charles I. [77] To the southwest only the southern portion of the L-shaped block was reconstructed, as a plain three-storey house, while in place of the northern wing is an open platform giving views over the loch. History of the Eilean Donan Castle. The original castle was destroyed in 1719 when 3 English frigates attacked the Spanish troops garrisoned there. Donnan was a Celtic saint martyred in about 617, and it’s said that his followers once built a church upon the island – although we’ve little evidence of that.Scottish legends say that the castle was founded by a mysterious warrior, blessed with the skills to talk to birds after drinking from a raven’s skull at birth (see ‘the legend’, below).More prosaically, a ca… The present buildings at the southeast of the castle reflect the form of the earlier structures, including the circular stair tower, but are larger in extent. [73] The clerk of works, Farquhar Macrae, is said to have based the reconstruction on a dream in which he saw the restored Eilean Donan. Image of historic, destination, lady - 113366306 Eilean Donan Castle went through several phases of development from the earliest fortifications of the 13th century through to its destruction in 1719, and the subsequent reconstruction in the 20th century. One of the most beautifully situated of all Scottish castles, Eilean Donan Castle consists of a 13th-century wall surrounding a courtyard. [8], At a later date, the island became a stronghold of the Mackenzies of Kintail, originally vassals of William I, Earl of Ross. The spirit of one of the fallen Spanish soldiers is said to linger in what is now the gift shop, with his head tucked under his arm! [4] 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. [26], MacGillechriosd's son Christopher Macrae became constable of Eilean Donan in turn, and held the castle during yet another clan feud, this time between the Mackenzies and the MacDonalds of Glengarry. Eilean Donan. Eilean Donan Castle Contact Address Telephone Number and Website Contact Details Eilean Donan Castle Dornie By Kyle of Lochalsh IV40 8DX Telephone: (01599) 555202 The official website of the Eilean Donan Castle is www.eileandonancastle.com More Scottish Ghosts. The Queen almost died when, asleep in her bed, her bedroom curtains caught fire from a candle. It sits on a small island, reached only by a stone bridge and is truly a picturesque setting. in the 20th century. Holiday cottage. Adjoining ranges of outbuildings and … corbelled machiocolations. Scotland. Loch Leven recalls one of the more sombre periods in Mary’s life. Sep 3, 2014 - Lt. Col. John MacRae-Gilstrap and Isabella Mary ... Eilean Donan. Early in the morning on Sunday 10 May 1719 HMS Worcester, HMS Flamborough and HMS Enterprise anchored off Eilean Donan and sent a boat ashore under a flag of truce to negotiate. [19] Kenneth died a few years later and was succeeded first by his eldest son, then on his death in 1497 by his second son, John of Killin, who was still a minor. Eilean Donan Castle, a romantic castle in a beautiful spot, much photographed and long a property of the Mackenzies, near Dornie on the road to Skye in the Highlands of Alexander III gave the lands to Colin Fitzgerald, son of the Irish Earl of Desmond and Kildare, for his help in defeating King Haakon and the Norsemen at Following the failure of the rising of 1715, the Jacobites found new support from Spain, now opposing both Britain and France in the War of the Quadruple Alliance. The entrance to this smaller courtyard was from the east. Fionnla Dubh mac Gillechriosd, considered by clan historians to be the founder of the Clan Macrae in Kintail,[16] was dispatched to fetch the young laird back. The sketch-elevation and carefully drawn plan show a dilapidated castle, largely roofless but for a small building by the entrance.[39]. Eilean Donan Castle in the Scottish Highlands is the most beautiful and most photographed castle in Scotland. Eilean Donan Castle, Scotland. Eilean Donan castle was restored in the early part of the 20th Century and it was discovered that the castle had not lain completely empty while in its ruinous state. [29], The Rev. When a party of 30 soldiers came out from the castle to request provisions from the local people, a band of 10 men who opposed their demands met the occupiers. Photo Credit Over the years the bounds of the castle grew from a small 13th centure fortress to expand to cover most of the island by the 15th and 16 th centuries, when the wall was also reduced. Sir George Mackenzie of Tarbat had a ratification of 1681 for the lands of Eilean Donan, with the castle, fortalice and mills thereof. [70] By 1714, Lewis Petit's drawing clearly shows that the castle was largely derelict, with only the house at the southeast corner being roofed. [65] During the 16th century, two buildings were added to the southern periphery of the enclosure. Explore. [4] At this early stage, the castle is said to have been garrisoned by Macraes and Maclennans, both clans that were later closely associated with the Mackenzies. The vaulted ground floor was originally divided in two, with a stair in the north wall giving access to the first-floor hall. In one corner of the courtyard stands a strong 14th-century tower of three storeys and a gabled garret. [27] Feuding broke out in 1580 and continued for almost 25 years. Eilean Donan Castle. Apr 8, 2015 - This Pin was discovered by Mary McCrea. In the castle Mary saw the baptism of her son, James VI . [23] In fact, only two people were in the castle: the recently appointed constable Iain Dubh Matheson and the warden. In 1650, after the king's execution, the Parliament of Scotland ordered a garrison to Eilean Donan. Sleeps 4 people in 2 bedrooms. [35], After this time, the castle was briefly occupied by the Earl of Balcarres and his wife,[36] who were in the Highlands in support of the Earl of Glencairn's royalist uprising, although Balcarres later disagreed with Glencairn and departed. [1], Eilean Donan, which means simply "island of Donnán", is named after Donnán of Eigg, a Celtic saint martyred in 617. 1:06. [18] Alexander died in about 1488 at a great age, and was succeeded by Kenneth Mackenzie, 7th of Kintail who won the Battle of Blar Na Pairce against the MacDonalds. Furious at this treatment, MacGillechriosd left Kintail and joined the service of Lord Lovat, though he eventually returned to settle at Inverinate. Eilean Donan Castle: Beautiful old lady - See 4,235 traveler reviews, 4,228 candid photos, and great deals for Kyle of Lochalsh, UK, at Tripadvisor. Loch Leven. [4], In 1539, Donald Gorm Macdonald of Sleat ravaged the lands of MacLeod of Dunvegan on Skye, and then attacked the Mackenzie lands of Kinlochewe, where Miles (Maolmure), brother of Christopher Macrae, was killed. St Donan lived there with his brothers. Perhaps the most picturesque of all Scottish castles, Eilean Donan. Contact Janet Ellis. These have been found in other parts of … [58] Mapmaker Timothy Pont (c. 1565–1614) left a description: The castell of Ylen Donen is composed of a strong and fair dungeon [i.e. Mackenzie refused, and Earl William led an assault against Eilean Donan that the Mackenzies and their allies repulsed. [78] A small tower occupies the north-west angle. Eilean Donan Castle is operated by The Conchra Charitable Trust and is a Registered Scottish Charity (SC 017346) regulated by The Scottish Charity Register (OSCR)." In Elizabeth: The Golden Age Eilean Donan stood in for Fotheringhay Castle in England. [79] Small mural chambers within the walls are accessed from each hall. [60] Archaeological excavations in 2008 and 2009 confirmed the presence of these walls, and also found evidence that metalworking was taking place in the northern part of the castle. OPEN: Open Feb-late Oct, daily 10.00-18.00; late-Oct-Dec 10.00-16.00; last admission 60 mins before closing; check winter opening. Very little historical evidence survives. The restoration included the construction of an arched bridge to give easier access to the island. More Scottish Castles. [59] Among the drawings he produced are a plan and elevation of Eilean Donan, which clearly show that the castle was largely derelict by this time, with only a building at the southeast corner being roofed. The Macraes began to act as Mackenzie's bodyguards, acquiring the soubriquet "Mackenzie's shirt of mail". The keep itself follows the original dimensions, though the formerly subdivided ground floor is now a single room: the tunnel-vaulted Billeting Hall. Eilean Donan Castle: Beautiful old lady - See 4,314 traveller reviews, 4,337 candid photos, and great deals for Kyle of Lochalsh, UK, at Tripadvisor. Through this period Eilean Donan is said to have been held by Duncan Macaulay for the Mackenzies, against the Earl and his allies. "[41] The naval force spent the next two days and 27 barrels of gunpowder demolishing the castle. It takes its name from a Gaelic Priest, Saint Donnán of Eigg who lived around 580 AD and was martyred while trying to bring Christianity to the Pictish people of north western Scotland. During the action the MacDonalds were driven on to the Cailleach Rock at the eastern tip of Skye and Angus, son of MacDonald of Glengarry, was killed. Another beach to the southwest may have formed a second access. [53] The castle was the setting for the 1980 short film Black Angel, filmed to accompany screenings of The Empire Strikes Back in cinemas. The Macraes mustered at Eilean Donan, and are said to have danced on the roof of the castle before setting out to the Battle of Sheriffmuir where 58 Macraes were among the Jacobite dead. Bond film The World is Not Enough (1999), Loch Ness (1996) with Ted Danson, and the Highlander franchise. [10], The Mackenzie clan histories also claim (with little, if any, supporting contemporary evidence), that Robert the Bruce sheltered at Eilean Donan during the winter of 1306 to 1307; the castle escaped any other involvement in the Wars of Scottish Independence. With the assistance of Leod Macgilleandrais, the Earl allegedly apprehended Kenneth Mackenzie, 3rd of Kintail, and had him executed in 1346 at Inverness. Dredging of the reservoir in 1893 recovered two brass guns, referred to as "double hagbuts", and measuring around 1 m (3 ft) long with a bore of around 25 millimetres (1 in). It is 9 miles from the Skye bridge and boasts the beautiful Eilean Donan Castle and a field of shee across the street. Here are the two most sighted: The Green Lady is Stirling’s most famous ghost, thought to be a maidservant to Mary Queen of Scots, who was crowned here.. Also recovered was a yett, an iron gate, probably installed in the east door to the bastion, but now on display inside the castle. The apparition of Lady Mary has been witnessed many times in one of the bedrooms in the castle. I think that Eilean Donan is on every single Scotland Calendar -- it is the most photographed castle in Scotland! South Highland: About 8 miles east of Kyle of Lochalsh, south of Dornie, on an island, just south of A87, on north side of Loch Duich at mouth of Loch Long, at Eilean Donan Castle. Tag: Mary Queen of Scots. Related Videos. [12] Kenneth's young son Murdo Mackenzie supposedly evaded the Earl's attempts to eliminate him, and on the return of David II from exile Murdo Mackenzie was allegedly confirmed in the lands of Kintail and Eilean Donan by a charter of 1362 (of which, however, no trace survives to the present day). [20] Hector's lawless activities caused the Mackenzies to be branded rebels, and in 1503 the Earl of Huntly offered to deliver Eilean Donan to the king, and to hold it on his behalf. [38], In 1689, King James VII of the House of Stuart was declared to have to forfeit the throne, and the crown was offered to William of Orange, in the so-called "Glorious Revolution". A picturesque castle that frequently appears in photographs, film and television dominates the island, which lies about 1 kilometre (5⁄8 mi) from the village of Dornie. Aan het begin van de twintigste eeuw werd Eilean Donan Castle uitgebreid gerestaureerd en opengesteld voor publiek. [13][14] At some point in the earlier 14th century it is thought that the Clan Macrae began to settle in Kintail as a body, having migrated from the Beauly Firth, and there gained the trust of the Mackenzie lairds through possible kinship and an advantageous marriage. your own Pins on Pinterest. Lady Mary. Scotland. In 1331 Randolph, Earl of Moray, executed 50 men at Eilean Donan and adorned the castle walls with severed heads. Weddings. [30] Colin Mackenzie of Kintail was created Earl of Seaforth in 1623. Donnán is said to have established a church on the island, though no trace of this remains. By the end of the 6th century a monastery was erected on the island. In around 1602 Eilean Donan was the base for a sea skirmish at the narrows of Kyle Rhea led by Christopher's son Duncan. The origins of Eilean Donan stretch way back in time. Driving holiday in Scotland - visit to one of the most famous castles - yes.. its the 'Highlander' castle :) with Spanish troops during the Jacobite rising of 1719, but three frigates battered it into submission with cannon, and it was blown up from within. In the 14th or 15th century the outer wall was abandoned and a smaller enclosure built around the tower house. [44], Between 1919 and 1932, the castle was rebuilt by Lt. Col. John MacRae-Gilstrap. The enclosure was accessed via a sea-gate in the north-west curtain wall, where a small beach would have allowed boats to be drawn up. Due to Covid-19 restrictions, check any and all opening and access information with the sites themselves…, Cockenzie House The castle has been used as a film location in several movies, including Bonnie Prince Charlie (1948) with David Niven, The Master of Ballantrae (1953) starring Errol Flynn, the The survey drawings by Lewis Petit were not rediscovered until the restoration was almost complete, and the restorers therefore were forced to rely on less accurate interpretations such as the work of MacGibbon and Ross, who attempted a plan of the remains in the late 19th century. [10] By the middle of the 14th century the Mackenzies are said to have been on the losing side in the ongoing feuding with the Earls of Ross. Eilean Donan Castle – prints , t-shirts and gifts. She is a lovely lady and was very kind and helpful to us during our stay. The main entrance is up a flight of stairs from the courtyard. [70] At some point in the 17th century, this elaborate access was abandoned and a more convenient entrance opened in the south wall of the hornwork. [60] At the northern point of the wall the foundations of a large tower survive, measuring around 12 by 13 metres (39 by 43 ft) and the remains of foundations suggest further towers at the north-east and southwest corners of the enclosure. [39], In the 13th century, a curtain wall or wall of enceinte was constructed around the island, enclosing most of the area above the high tide line.
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