Eilean Donan was named after Saint Donan who came to Scotland around 580 AD from Ireland. The castle is built on a small tidal island where three lochs meet and it was originally built as a form of defence against those pesky Vikings. However, it wasn't the Vikings that destroyed this beautiful castle, but it was Jacobite risings which cast a dark shadow over Eilean Donan. In 1719, 46 Spanish soldiers who were supporting the Jacobites rising garrisoned the castle and were waiting from more weapons and artillery to help them in battle which were arriving from Spain. The English government found out about the uprising before it actually took place and the castle was partially destroyed in the conflict. Although some parts of the castle are made from walls that are 14 feet thick, it wasn't a complete disaster for the structure, but it was for the Spanish who surrendered to the English after they were outnumbered. After this battle, the castle lay in ruins for over 200 years until 1911 where renovations went underway thanks to John Macrae-Gilstrap. He bought the island and then spent the next twenty years of his life trying to restore the castle to its former glory. If you have already been to the castle, you'll know that he succeeded as it's a truly stunning piece of architecture. The Lt Colonel also built a war memorial dedicated to all of those who lost their lives during the First World War. The castle has became a Scottish icon and is probably the most photographed monuments in the country - it's not difficult to see why.
