Eilean Donan Castle in the North of Scotland is probably the most visited and photographed castle in Scotland. It is one of two castles in Great Britain which has a left-handed spiral staircase. This is because the reigning king of that time held his sword in his left hand.
How the Island of Eilean Donan Got its Name
The island of Eilean Donan is probably named after Saint Bishop Donan, a martyred Irish saint who arrived in Scotland at AD 580. It is believed there are many churches dedicated to him here, as Bishop Donan or the Early Christians who followed his teachings formed a small community here on the island during the late 6th and 7th centuries.
How Eilean Donan Castle was Built
The island of Eilean Donan has been a fortified site for over 800 years and has been inhabited since the Iron Age. The castle was built in the early 13th century as a defence mechanism against the invading Vikings, who gained the control over most of Northern Scotland and the Western Isles between 800 and 1266.
By the mid-13th century, there was a complete fortified castle on Eilean Donan, as the island needed a large garrison of men to defend it from both the sea and land. Eilean Donan Castle was built in three phases.
The layout of the first castle can still be seen in the remains of the foundations of the existing towers and the Curtain Wall. This wall was so big that it covered most of the entire island and measured a great 3,000 square metres. It was during this time that the castle was at its largest. The tower, now more commonly known as the Keep was situated on the higest point of the island. There was also an additional Northern Tower which dominated the whole site with its walls some 4.3 metres thick. There were also additional smaller towers and seagates which were built in the Curtain Wall.
By the end of the 14th century, the area of Eilean Donan Castle was reduced to 528 square metres. This was five times smaller than the castle's original size. This was probably due to the size of garrison that was required to defend the island and its castle. The four story Keep which has a pitched and slated roof with crow-stepped gables became the focus of the Courtyard. There was also a walkway with bartizans or projecting towers.
During the 16th century, a hexagonal hornwork was added to the east wall. This was used as a platform for the new cannons which had just been introduced. This also created a new entrance and a long passage to the inner Courtyard.
The History of Eilean Donan Castle
Eilean Donan Castle has a very complex history. By the late 13th century the castle was held by Kenneth MacKenzie and his successors. After 1362, the MacRae Clan came to Kintail from Beauly Firth as they were given protection to the Clan Fraser. They soon became the bodyguards of the MacKenzie chiefs and subsequently became known as the "MacKenzies' Coat of Mail". This created a long-term connection between the two clans.
Despite many disputes, the MacKenzies held on to the castle right up until the 16th century. In 1504, Alexander Gordon, the Earl of Huntley descended on Eilean Donan Castle and tried to take it on behalf of King James IV, but his garrison was quickly defeated. In 1511, the MacRaes became the protectors of the MacKenzies and gained the control over the whole surrounding area.
In 1539, a feud arose between the MacKenzies and the McLeods of Dunvegaon over the disputed claims of Donald Gorm MacDonald to the title of Lord of the Isles. MacDonald sailed his fifty galleys to Eilean Donan. At this time there were only two men at the castle. They were Constable John Dubh Matherson and a watchman, as well as another man Duncan MacRae who quickly went to their aid.
The MacDonalds besieged the castle. Duncan who only had one arrow left, fired and hit Donald Gorm in the foot. Donald quickly pulled out the arrow and severed an artery which resulted in his death. As a consequence of this, his men returned to make an unsuccessful attempt to set fire to and destroy the castle.
In 1618, Reverend Mr Farquhar was constable of Eilean Donan and lived in luxurious conditions in the castle. The castle was also very prosperous and this allowed Mr Farquhar to give great hospitality and charity. When the Earl of Seaforth visited with his five hundred men, they were provided with the first two meals. The reverend's hospitality was also extended to many local chiefs who came to feast and drink in the castle's hall. In 1651, he was expelled from his post. Soon after he stated that 'he was well pleased to be rid of the island, because it was a bad habitation for a man of his age and Corpulence.'
Also in the same year the Scottish Parliament attempted to garrison the castle. It was not long before their soldiers drew back as realised they were at a great loss. In a revengeful attack, General Monk who was Cromwell's Lieutenant bought his army here. His men looted and burnt the castle in 1654.
In 1719, the castle was partially destroyed during the 3rd Jacobite Uprising when it was garrisoned for the Jacobites by Spanish troops. During this fierce battle, the Government troops sent out three of their frigates and subsequently overwhelmed the Spanish defenders. Upon the garrisons' surrender they discovered a magazine of 343 hundred barrels of gunpowder, which they then used to blow up the rest of the castle.
The castle remained as a ruin for about two hundred years until the island was bought in 1911 by Colonel John MacRae who restored Eilean Donan Castle back to its original glory.
Resources:
Eilean Donan Castle Guidebook
Tracey White - A photojournalist and history writer who specialises in UK/ Scottish history and travel especially of the Tudor era.
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