Eilean Donna castle  is one of Scotland’s most iconic and photographed landmarks, perched on a tidal island where three sea lochs meet in the Highlands near Kyle of Lochalsh.
The castle sits on Eilean Donan island in Loch Duich, connected to the mainland by a 20th-century footbridge, within the Kintail National Scenic Area. It’s a stronghold historically linked to Clan Mackenzie and Clan MacRae, drawing visitors for its dramatic scenery en route to Skye.
Built in the 13th century under Alexander II to defend against Viking raids, it originally featured a massive curtain wall and up to seven towers enclosing the island. Destroyed by Royal Navy bombardment in 1719 during a Jacobite uprising—when it housed Spanish troops—it lay in ruins for nearly 200 years. Lt. Col. John MacRae-Gilstrap rebuilt it as a family home from 1911 to 1932, incorporating original ruins.
 
Interesting facts...
Strange tales about those who built or rebuilt the castle. A ancient Scottish tale claims the castle was founded by Shamus MacMathan, son of a clan chief, who gained the power to speak with birds after drinking from a raven’s skull as a newborn. This mythical warrior amassed wealth abroad, returned to reconcile with his father, and was tasked by King Alexander II around 1220 to build the fortress against Viking raids.
During its 1911-1932 rebuild by Lt. Col. John MacRae-Gilstrap, foreman Farquhar MacRae reportedly had a prophetic dream of the castle’s original layout, guiding the accurate reconstruction—later verified by a discovered 1714 survey. This “vision” explains anomalies in the modern structure matching medieval plans not otherwise available.