Eilean Donan Castle / Plockton / Kyleakin

Eilean Donan Castle is situated on an island in the scottish highlands on the shores of Loch Duich, at the point where three sea lochs meet. The first fortified structure at Eilean Donan Castle was built in the early 13th century, offering a perfect defensive position over the Lands of Kintail against Viking invaders. The Mackenzies held Eilean Donan Castle continuously until the 16th century.

In 1719, the castle was partially destroyed in the Jacobite uprising, when the English Government dispatched three frigates to attack the castle. The bombardment lasted for three days with limited success due to the huge thickness of the castle walls. The castle was finally taken over after soldiers were sent ashore from the frigate Enterprise.

In 1911 Lieutenant Colonel John Macrae-Gilstrap bought the Island, and undertook a twenty year restoration project to rebuild the castle, based on earlier plans. Eileen Donan Castle, due to it's attractive location has featured in three movies, the most recent being called the Maid of Honor. The castle and Visitor's Centre are now open to the public.

Eilean Donan Castle

Also in Lochalsh, the part of west coast mainland facing the Isle of Skye, the picturesque village of Plockton can be found. Plockton is a village of attractive white washed cottages situated at the edge of deep sea loch Carron. Plockton Village was used as a back drop to a BBC Scotland tv series called Hamish Macbeth.

Plockton

Just across the bridge to the Isle of Skye is the village of Kyleakin, previously the main gateway to Skye from the scottish mainland by Ferry across the narrow strait of Loch Alsh. The Village of Kyleakin is also the site of Castle Moil, an ancient ruined fortress built in the late 15th century. Legend states that it was built for a Norwegian princess who was married to Findanus, a Mackinnon Chief. They ran a heavy chain across the narrow sound between Skye and the mainland and ships wishing to pass through had to pay an enforced toll. Most of the property in Kyleakin was built in 1811 and includes accomodation specifically for backpackers. I stayed at Saucy Mary's Pub, named after the Norwegian Princess, which offered good accomodation, food and drink, including a variety of malt whiskeys.

Kyleakin

If you travel further to the Port of Uig on Skye, a Calmac ferry service connects to Tarbet on the Isle of Harris and Lewis in the Outer Hebrides.