Description of the attraction
Eilean Donan is a small island on the west coast of Scotland. Translated, its name means "Donan Island" - after the name of the Celtic saint who lived on this island in the 7th century. The island is connected to the coast by a pedestrian bridge.
Here is one of the most famous and most picturesque and romantic castles in Scotland - Eilean Donan Castle. His image, many times replicated on postcards and in films, has become a kind of symbol of Scottish castles.
The exact date of the construction of the castle is unknown. Most likely, it was built in the 12th century to protect the coast from Viking raids. Historians confidently date the fortress wall to the 13th century, and the citadel of the castle in its northeastern part was built in the 14th century. From the 13th century, the castle belonged to the Mackenzie clan, and from the beginning of the 16th century, the Macrae clan became the hereditary guardians of the castle.
In 1719, Spanish soldiers landed on the island, who sided with the Jacobites - supporters of Jacob Stewart. The castle was shelled from the sides of three Royal Navy warships and then almost completely destroyed. The restoration of the castle began only in the 20th century under the leadership of John McRae-Gilstrap. The reconstruction was carried out according to the plans of the castle found in Edinburgh.
This is one of two castles in Great Britain, in which spiral staircases twist in the opposite direction - the king who built the castle was left-handed.
Eilean Donan Castle is one of the most photographed landmarks in Scotland. It has also served as a backdrop for many feature films.
