Scotland: Eilean Donan Castle

Eilean Donan castle was probably my favorite castle to photograph, with a stone bridge leading to the entrance and a beautiful lake surrounding it. I struggled, however, to capture the castle without hoards of people in every shot. I have learned through my travels, that patience often pays off.

After touring the castle and preparing to leave, I noticed that there was a lull in the number of visitors walking along the bridge. I jumped at my chance, and captured a few of my favorite photos from this trip:

The tide was out, so Erick and the kids hiked all around the grounds and under the bridge. It is a beautiful place!

Brief History: The name Eilean Donan means island of Donan. Donan was the name of an Irish Saint, who came to Scotland in 580 AD. Many churches and buildings in the area share this name.

The first fortifications at this location were built in the 1200s to protect the inhabitants from Vikings, who terrorized this area.

In the 1600s and 1700s, Eilean Donan played a role in the Jacobite uprisings. In 1719, English ships bombarded the castle, which housed Jacobite supporters. Afterward, soldiers went ashore and blew up the castle.

The fortress remained in ruins until until Lt Colonel John Macrae-Gilstrap bought the island in 1911. LTC Macrae-Gilstrap had the castle restored and opened to the public.