Eilean Donan
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Eilean Donan | |
|---|---|
| Location | |
  Eilean Donan
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| Eilean Donan shown within Scotland. | |
| OS grid reference: | NG880260 |
| Names | |
| Gaelic name: | Eilean Donan |
| Meaning of name: | Island of Donan |
| Area and Summit | |
| Area: | 1 ha |
| Highest elevation: | 3 m |
| Population | |
| Population (2001): | 1 |
| Population rank (inhabited Scottish islands): | 94= out of 97 |
| Groupings | |
| Island Group: | Loch Duich |
| Local Authority: | Highland |
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| References: | [1][2] |
Eilean Donan (Scottish Gaelic for Island of Donan), is a small island in Loch Duich in the western Highlands of Scotland. It is connected to the mainland by a footbridge and lies about half a mile from the village of Dornie. Eilean Donan is named after St. Donan, a celtic saint martyred in the Dark Ages.
Contents |
[edit] Eilean Donan castle
The original castle was built in 1220 for Alexander II as a defence against the Vikings. By the late 13th century it had become a stronghold of the Mackenzies of Kintail (later the Earls of Seaforth). In 1511, the MacRaes, as protectors of the MacKenzies, became the hereditary Constables of the Castle.
In 1539 Iain Dubh Matheson, chief of the Clan Matheson died whilst defending the Castle on Eilean Donan island against the Clan MacDonald of Sleat on behalf of the Clan MacRae and Clan MacKenzie.
In April 1719 the castle was occupied by Spanish troops attempting to start another Jacobite Rising. The castle was recaptured, and then demolished, by three Royal Navy frigates on 10–13 May 1719. The Spanish troops were defeated a month later at the Battle of Glen Shiel.
The castle was restored in the years between 1919 and 1932 by Lt. Col. John MacRae-Gilstrap. The restoration included the construction of an arched bridge to give easier access to the castle. In 1983 The Conchra Charitable Trust was formed by the MacRae family to care for the Castle.
It is now one of the most photographed monuments in Scotland and a popular venue for weddings and film locations. It has appeared in such films as The Master of Ballantrae (1953)[3], The Private Life of Sherlock Holmes (1970), Highlander (1985)[3], Loch Ness (1996)[3], Kuch Kuch Hota Hai (1998), The World Is Not Enough (1999)[3], Elizabeth: The Golden Age (2007) and in BBC mini series "Oliver's Travels". The cover of Secret Garden's album Dreamcatcher (2000).
Eilean Donan is the home of the Clan MacRae. In 2001, the island had a population of just one person.
On a clear day it is possible to see the Isle of Skye from the castle.
[edit] Gallery
 Loch Duich and Eilean Donan castle |
 Eilean Donan castle and some surroundings |
 Eilean Donan Castle Bridge |
 Looking down the bridge to the castle |
 Roll of Honour of Clan MacRae inside Eilean Donan Castle Grounds |
 View from inside the castle grounds |
 View of Eilean Donan Castle |
[edit] References
Miket and Roberts, The Mediaeval Castles of Skye and Lochalsh (2nd edition, Birlinn Ltd, 2007)
- ^ 2001 UK Census per List of islands of Scotland.
- ^ Ordnance Survey
- ^ a b c d Scottish locations for Hollywood movies filmed in Scotland by mcleanscotland of Perth tour operator and vacation planners. McLean Scotland (2005). Retrieved on 2008-04-03.
[edit] External links
