Eilean Donan Castle, Kyle of Lochalsh - Wee Guides to Scotland castles and mansions

Wee Guides to Scotland
Eilean Donan Castle

Goblinshead

130 Inveresk Rd
Musselburgh
EH21 7AY
SCOTLAND

One of the most beautifully situated of all Scottish castles, Eilean Donan Castle consists of a 13th-century wall, surrounding a courtyard, with a strong 14th-century keep. Adjoining ranges of outbuildings and fortifications were added in later centuries. Although very ruinous, it was completely rebuilt in the 20th century. 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 his Norsemen at the Battle of Largs in 1263. The family changed their name to Mackenzie, and Eilean Donan became their main stronghold. Robert the Bruce sheltered here in 1306. In 1331 Randolph, Earl of Moray, executed 50 men at Eilean Donan and 'decorated' the castle walls with their heads; and in 1509 the MacRaes became constab les of the castle. In 1539 it was besieged by Donald Gorm MacDonald, a claimant to the Lordship of the Isles, but he was killed by an arrow shot from the castle. William Mackenzie, 5th Earl of Seaforth, had it garrisoned with Spanish troops during the Jacobite rising of 1719, but three Hanoverian frigates battered it into submission with cannon, and it was blown up from within. The ghost of one of the Spanish troops, killed either at the castle or the nearby battle of Glenshiel, is said to haunt the castle. Visitor centre to open in summer. Mementoes of Bonnie Prince Charlie and James III. New exhibitions. Disabled WC.

Directions:	On A87, 8 miles E of Kyle of Lochalsh, Highland.
Ownership:	Pri/LA	01599 555202	Ord. Survey Map Ref:	NG 881259 33
Open:	Open 1 April or Easter to end October..
Key:	P S R WC £	Click Here for explanation of Key and other abreviations

Fax:+44 (0) 131 653 6566 Tel: +44 (0) 131 665 2894
email:goblinshead@sol.co.uk