Eilean Donan Castle is a 13th century and recognized as one of the most visited and important castles in Scottish history. The iconic castle has been built and rebuilt four times over the centuries. There have been four generations of MacRae’s who have occupied the castle in past and present.
The name Eilean Donan, or island of Donan, is most likely named after the 6th century Irish Saint, Bishop Donan who came to Scotland around 580 AD. In the surrounding area, there are several churches also named after Donan.
In 1719, the castle fell to ruin after Spanish soldiers invaded. It lay in ruin for nearly 200 year until Lt Colonel John Macrae-Gilstrap bought the island in 1911. He dedicated the next 20 years of his life to the reconstruction of Eilean Donan, restoring her to her former glory.
