Eilean Donan Castle is located near the town of Dornie, just east of the Skye Bridge. “This gloriously romantic castle is reached by an arched stone bridge and sits on a rocky island, settled in the 6^th century by Saint Donan. The castle was built much later, to defend against invading Vikings. It is probably the most photographed castle in Scotland, however Eilean Donan was rebuilt on its splendid islet site between 1912 and 1932, after lying in ruins since the Jacobite Rising of 1719, destroyed by English warships. The MacRaes have been its Constables since 1509. Eilean Donan Castle has been featured in many films, including the James Bond thriller, The World is Not Enough.”

My husband and I greatly enjoyed our Eilean Donan Castle, and rank it among our top three castles visited in Britain for its location, atmosphere, and the historically significant documents and artifacts housed inside. 

Upon leaving Eilean Donan, we headed east toward Loch Ness, passing through Glenshiel. A plaque beside the A87 describes the battle fought there during the short-lived Jacobite Rising of 1719, a battle that is also historically significant to Eilean Donan Castle. The defeated Jacobite army included a company of Spanish troops – the last foreign soldiers to fight on Scottish soil.