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. The battle was indecisive and the rising collapsed soon after. More development within this courtyard took place in the 16th century, as well as the addition of defences on the eastern side. 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 Posted on September 17, 2018. 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. Eilean Donan. William III, Earl of Ross granted Kintail to Raghnall Mac Ruaidhrí in 1342. Robert the Bruce was sheltered here in 1306. Allegedly among them was the young Alexander Mackenzie, 6th Earl of Kintail. The Duke of Ormonde led the main invasion fleet from Spain, while an advance party of 300 Spanish soldiers under George Keith, 10th Earl Marischal, arrived in Loch Duich in April 1719, and occupied Eilean Donan Castle. It is sayd of old that castel consisted of seven tours. Eilean Donan Castle. Lady Mary. The family changed their name to Mackenzie, and Eilean Donan became their main stronghold. [42] Flamborough then took the Spanish prisoners to Edinburgh. Travel Destinations. At the beginning of May, the Royal Navy sent ships to the area. Photo about Beautiful lady looking at Eilean Donan Castle during a warm summer day - Dornie, Scotland - United Kingdom. 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. [71][72] Although the rebuilding followed the extant ground plan, the details of the present castle differ from its original appearance. The memorial is adorned with lines from John McCrae's poem "In Flanders Fields", and is flanked by grey field guns from the war. 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. Tel: 01599 511440. The southern part is sited outside the line of the inner curtain wall, with a northern wing, which may have been a slightly later addition, inside the wall. His uncle, Hector Roy Mackenzie, attempted to usurp the Mackenzie lands and installed his own constable in Eilean Donan, Malcolm Mac Ian Charrich Macrae. Castle owned by the Clan Mackenzie have included: Eilean Donan Castle was long held by the Mackenzies of Kintail and it may have been given to them after they helped to defeat the Norsemen at the Battle of Largs in 1263. Nijo Castle... . Castle screensaver £3.95. "The Lady in Red".....getting married in the castle right now! Although some archaeological evidence has been recovered from the island, much material was lost during the reconstruction works making it difficult to build a clear picture of the early castle. Macrae-Gilstrap also established a war memorial dedicated to the men of the MacRae clan who died in the First World War. The ghost of one of the Spanish troops, killed either at the castle or the nearby battle, is said to haunt the castle. [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. For reasons unrecorded, he fell out with Farquhar Macrae and demanded his removal from the castle. Image of historic, destination, lady - 113366306 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. Very little historical evidence survives. 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. Through this period Eilean Donan is said to have been held by Duncan Macaulay for the Mackenzies, against the Earl and his allies. [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. 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. [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. The Macraes began to act as Mackenzie's bodyguards, acquiring the soubriquet "Mackenzie's shirt of mail". Related Videos. The revolution also established Presbyterianism in Scotland, although the Highlands generally remained Roman Catholic and loyal to the Stuarts. In the early eighteenth century, the Mackenzies' involvement in the Jacobite rebellions led in 1719 to the castle's destruction by government ships. [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. Saved by Mary McCrea. One of the more well-known ghosts of Eilean Donan is believed to be that of one of the soldiers that died that day. 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. [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. [21] Eventually, John compelled his uncle to relinquish his claim, and Hector agreed to hand over Eilean Donan. Robert the Bruce took refuge here in 1306 . Sadly this is also the place where she sees him for the last time. A major Jacobite uprising took place in 1715. Since the castle's restoration in the early 20th century, a footbridge has connected the island to the mainland. 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. [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". [27] Feuding broke out in 1580 and continued for almost 25 years. [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. became constables of the castle. Farquhar Macrae, son of Christopher Macrae, was born at the castle in 1580. [43] The remaining Spanish troops were defeated on 10 June at the Battle of Glen Shiel. [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. Eilean Donan Castle – prints , t-shirts and gifts. This is one of the most picturesque and most photographed castles in the world . Above on the first floor is the Banqueting Hall with an oak ceiling, and decorated with coats of arms and 15th-century style fireplace. your own Pins on Pinterest. The hornwork comprises a pair of walls enclosing a triangular courtyard, linking the east wall of the castle with an irregular hexagonal (or heptagonal) structure. Eilean Donan Castle tours , gifts and prints. [67], In the later 16th century, the castle was extended eastward to create a bastion or "hornwork", providing a more securely defended entrance. [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. [20][22] John of Killin obtained a further charter of Kintail and Eilean Donan in 1509. [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. Asia Destinations. Meanwhile, an aggrieved Maclennan apparently shot MacMhurchaidh in the buttocks with an arrow. [33] The following year the Earl's brother, Simon Mackenzie of Lochslin, gathered troops for the royalist cause around Eilean Donan. 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. [65] During the 16th century, two buildings were added to the southern periphery of the enclosure. With the assistance of Leod Macgilleandrais, the Earl allegedly apprehended Kenneth Mackenzie, 3rd of Kintail, and had him executed in 1346 at Inverness. James then arrested him, along with the other chiefs, on their arrival. The remains of a Pictish fort were found in vitrified rock when excavations once took place on the island. There is said to be many ghosts in Stirling. 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. Tel: 01599 555202 Fax: 01599 555262 She is a lovely lady and was very kind and helpful to us during our stay. His troops destroyed much property, and stole 360 of Farquhar Macrae's cattle, though only one man was killed. History of the Eilean Donan 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. In the castle Mary saw the baptism of her son, James VI . These have been found in other parts of … The constable refused however, and John's supporters laid siege. [8], At a later date, the island became a stronghold of the Mackenzies of Kintail, originally vassals of William I, Earl of Ross. [39] Four years later, it was completely demolished, and, by 1912, very little of the castle was still standing. Farquhar initially resisted, and despite interventions by the young Kenneth, had to be marched out by Lochslin and George Mackenzie (later Earl of Cromartie). In one corner of the courtyard stands a strong In 1331 Randolph, Earl of Moray, executed 50 men at Eilean Donan and adorned the castle walls with severed heads. 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. 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. According to Worcester's log, in the castle were "an Irishman, a captain, a Spanish lieutenant, a serjeant, one Scotch rebel and 39 Spanish soldiers, 343 barrels of powder and 52 barrels of musquet shot. After a series of retaliatory raids, Donald Gorm learned that Eilean Donan was weakly garrisoned and launched a surprise attack. 14th-century tower of three storeys and a gabled garret. Weddings. Eilean Donan Castle. [76] Above this is carved the coat of arms of John Macrae-Gilstrap. [63], Small tidal island in the western Highlands of Scotland, Eilean Donan shown within Ross and Cromarty, The 13th-century curtain wall enclosed most of the island, The smaller enclosure in the 15th century, and the 16th-century buildings, Addition of the "hornwork" in the later 16th century, Following reconstruction in the 20th century, Jacobite rising and destruction of the castle, General Register Office for Scotland (28 November 2003), harvnb error: no target: CITEREFStevenson2004 (, harvnb error: no target: CITEREFMiers2008 (, harvnb error: no target: CITEREFEilean_Donan_Castle_Official_Guide1999 (, "Appendix 2: Population and households on Scotland's Inhabited Islands", Statistical Bulletin: 2011 Census: First Results on Population and Household Estimates for Scotland Release 1C (Part Two), Scotland's Census 2001 – Occasional Paper No 10: Statistics for Inhabited Islands, "The Battle of Glenshiel, 10th June 1719", "Short film meant to accompany 'Empire Strikes Back' makes a comeback", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Eilean_Donan&oldid=999274795, Category A listed buildings in Highland (council area), Historic house museums in Highland (council area), Uninhabited islands of Highland (council area), Articles containing Scottish Gaelic-language text, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License, This page was last edited on 9 January 2021, at 10:18. 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. Located just inside the gate, this is likely to have served as a house for the castle's constable or keeper, and is the only building shown with a roof on Petit's survey. Bond film The World is Not Enough (1999), Loch Ness (1996) with Ted Danson, and the Highlander franchise. ‘Eilean Donan’, pronounced aye-lean don-an, unexcitingly means ‘Isle of Donnan’. [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. The basement is barrel-vaulted, and the hall is on the first floor. Sleeps 4 people in 2 bedrooms. Alexander's uncles attempted to seize control of Kintail, but the constable Duncan Macaulay continued to hold Eilean Donan on his behalf. Contact Janet Ellis. 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. The expected uprising of Highlanders did not occur, and the main Spanish invasion force never arrived. Aan het begin van de twintigste eeuw werd Eilean Donan Castle uitgebreid gerestaureerd en opengesteld voor publiek. Due to Covid-19 restrictions, check any and all opening and access information with the sites themselves…, Cockenzie House The apparition of Lady Mary has been witnessed many times in one of the bedrooms in the castle. Eilean Donan (Scottish Gaelic: Eilean Donnain) is a small tidal island where three sea lochs meet, Loch Duich, Loch Long and Loch Alsh, in the western Highlands of Scotland.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. Eilean Donan Castle, Scotland. Travel. Opposite the castle is the sculptured impression of a human foot in a stone. Eilean Donan Castle is one of the most recognised castles in Scotland, and probably appears on more shortbread tins and calendars than any other. [51][52] Eilean Donan has made several appearances in films, beginning with Bonnie Prince Charlie in 1948 and The Master of Ballantrae in 1953. [4] Rather than a genuinely medieval castle, Eilean Donan is described as "a romantic reincarnation in the tradition of early 20th-century castle revivals. 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. Furious at this treatment, MacGillechriosd left Kintail and joined the service of Lord Lovat, though he eventually returned to settle at Inverinate. Thanks Mary for the wonderful stay! An argument broke out, which led to the garrison men being driven off with several casualties. [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. 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. In around 1602 Eilean Donan was the base for a sea skirmish at the narrows of Kyle Rhea led by Christopher's son Duncan. [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. In preparation 50 wrongdoers were rounded up and executed, their heads being displayed on the castle walls to Moray's approval. A series of Jacobite risings followed, leading to an increased military presence in Scotland as government forces attempted to penetrate and subdue the Highlands. [75], The castle is today entered from the south, via a modern portal complete with a portcullis. In 1650, after the king's execution, the Parliament of Scotland ordered a garrison to Eilean Donan. [25] Duncan MacGillechriosd expected to be appointed as the new constable but was considered too headstrong: the local clergyman John MacMhurchaidh Dhuibh (John Murchison) was appointed as a compromise between rival Macrae and Maclennan interests. Above this were probably another two storeys, including a garret. In 1714 while surveying fortifications for the government, the military engineer Lewis Petit made the only surviving drawing of Eilean Donan. Tag: Mary Queen of Scots. 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! [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. [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. 22 Edinburgh Road I think that Eilean Donan is on every single Scotland Calendar -- it is the most photographed castle in Scotland! Scant remains of these walls can be traced on the ground, running around the northern end of the island. [4], It is possible that an early Christian monastic cell was founded on the island in the 6th or 7th century, dedicated to Donnán of Eigg, an Irish saint who was martyred on Eigg in April 617. The sketch-elevation and carefully drawn plan show a dilapidated castle, largely roofless but for a small building by the entrance.[39]. Although quite ruinous, it was completely rebuilt The water-filled interior would have been crossed by a removable bridge, presenting an obstacle to attackers. Driving holiday in Scotland - visit to one of the most famous castles - yes.. its the 'Highlander' castle :) His eerie apparition has been seen often in the gift shop, clutching his head underneath his arm. The local people did not welcome the garrison. 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. [37] In June 1654 General Monck, Oliver Cromwell's military governor in Scotland, marched through Kintail while suppressing the uprising. William Mackenzie, 5th Earl of Seaforth, had it garrisoned Perhaps the most picturesque of all Scottish castles, Eilean Donan. Another beach to the southwest may have formed a second access. [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. Holiday cottage. [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. Loch Leven recalls one of the more sombre periods in Mary’s life. 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. Constable refused however, and Eilean Donan changed their name to Mackenzie, and Donan. 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