Eilean Donan Castle
By Rylie 5/6B
Location
The Eilean Donan Castle is located on the west highlands of Scotland, near the Isle of Skye. It is situated close to the village of Dornie. It is on a small island, called Donan Island at the point where three great sea lochs meet.
Description
Eilean Donan castle is a fortress built of solid stone and mortar. It is positioned on a small rocky island (Donan Island), that is surrounded by water, and connected to the mainland by a stone bridge. It is at the meeting point of 3 sea lochs- Loch Long, Loch Duich and Loch Alsh. It is often described as the most beautiful castles in Scotland.
Entry Price and Imformation
£6.00 Adults
£5.00 Children
Eilean Donan Castle also includes a Visitor Centre, Coffee shop and Gift shop
When it was built
It was built early in the 13th century by King Alexander ll. In the 14th century the area of the castle was reduced to a fifth of its original size. In the 16th century they added on a platform for canons. Then in the 1719 to 1800 the castle lead to destruction, which was left for hundreds of years, until Lt Colonel John Macrae-Gilstrap bought the island in 1911 .Then re-built by architect George Mackie Watson and local clerk Farquar MacRae, finished in July 1932 after 20 years.
John Macrae-Gilstrap
He bought the castle in 1911
Destroyed
When it was destroyed in the 1700's
Rebuilt
When it was rebuilt in 1911
Why it was built
It was built to protect the lands of Kintail from the Vikings who raided Scotland between 800 and 1266 and controlled much of the North of Scotland and the Western Isles as well a defensive measure.
Why it is so popular
It is so popular because it is recognized all around the world and is one of the most important attractions in Scotland, and one of the most photographed.
Important Facts
1. Donan Island was named after Irish saint, Bishop Donan who came to Scotland in 580 AD.
2. The name Eilean Donan is Gaelic for Island Donan.
3. There has been 4 different versions of this castle.
4. Donan island was inhabited around the 6th century.
5. There are several churches dedicated to Donan.
6. Before the castle was built a chapel site by saint Donan of Eigg.
7. Eilean Donan Castle is the home of the Clan Macrae.
8. The island had a population of just one person.
Castle
Ground view of Eilean donan
Eilean Donan
Side view of the castle
Donan Island
Birds eye view of Donan Island