Eilean Donan-- a small island on the west coast of Scotland. Translated the name means "island of the Don" - the name of the Celtic saint who lived on this island in the VII century. The island is connected to shore pedestrian bridge.

Here is one of the most famous and the most beautiful and romantic castles in Scotland - Eilean Donan. His image, reprinted many times on postcards and in films, became a symbol of Scottish castles.

The exact date of construction of the castle is unknown. Rather, it was built in the XII century to protect the coast from Viking raids. Historians confidently dated by XIII century ramparts and citadel of the castle in the north-eastern part was built in the XIV century. Since the XIII century the castle belonged to the Clan Mackenzie, and since the beginning of the XVI century hereditary keepers of the castle becomes the clan MacRae.

In 1719 he landed on the island of the Spanish soldiers, who were on the side of the Jacobites - the supporters of James Stewart. The castle was bombarded with sides three Royal Navy warships, and then almost completely destroyed. Restoration of the castle began only in the XX century under the leadership of John Macrae-Gilstrapa. The reconstruction was carried out according to the plans of the castle, found in Edinburgh.

This is one of the two locks the UK, which spiral staircases twist in the opposite direction - to build the castle king was left-handed.

Eilean Donan - one of the most photographed monuments in Scotland. He also served as the backdrop to many feature films.