Scottish Highlands – Barging in Scotland – Scottish Barge Cruises

Possibly the most photographed monument in Scotland, Eilean Donan Castle is everything an ancient Highland fortress should be.

Photo: Pixabay – Scrapdenhaut

Eilean Donan Castle

Set on its own tidal island facing the Isle of Skye, the castle’s location is at the confluence of three sea lochs, creating a dramatic and starkly beautiful backdrop. With an area of just one hectare, the majority of the tiny island is taken up by the castle that from afar, appears to almost hover above the water of the loch. The only access between the island and the mainland is via a stone arched bridge.

The hotel barges Scottish Highlander and Spirit of Scotland both include the Eilean Donan Castle in their barge cruise itineraries.

Brief History of Eilean Donan Castle

The name Eilean Donan, or Island of Donan, is believed to be named after the 6th-century Irish Saint, Bishop Donan who came to Scotland around 580 AD. There are several churches dedicated to Donan in the area and it is likely that he formed a small community on the island during the 7th century.

Photo: Unsplash – Angel Luciano

Eilean Donan Castle, aerial view

The first fortified structure was not built on the island until the early 13th century as a defensive measure, protecting the lands of Kintail against the Vikings who raided, settled and controlled much of the North of Scotland and the Western Isles between 800 and 1266.

This was also a site of many clan feuds and has a bloody and turbulent history. At least four different versions of the castle have been built and re-built as the feudal history of Scotland unfolded through the centuries. In 1719, during the Jacobite uprising at the Battle of Glenshiel, it was all but destroyed for a final time.

Photo: Wikimedia Commons – Bigar

Eilean Donan Castle

For close to 200 years the stark ruins of the castle lay neglected, abandoned and open to the elements. In 1911, the island was privately purchased by Lieutenant Colonel John MacRae-Gilstrap, who dedicated the next 20 years painstakingly restoring her to her former glory. The castle was rebuilt according to the surviving ground plan of earlier phases and was formally completed in the July of 1932. John MacRae-Gilstrap died in 1937, just a few years after the restoration was completed, but in 1955, his grandson opened the castle to the public.

The Eilean Donan: Film Star

The castle is a popular location for films, TV, advertisements, fashion shoots and music videos. Eilean Donan has starred in many films including: Bonnie Prince Charlie starring David Niven (1948), The Master of Ballantree starring Errol Flynn (1953), The New Avengers (1976), Highlander (1986), Loch Ness (1996), James Bond – The World is Not Enough (1999); just to name a few.

Enjoy a Tour

Photo: Wikimedia Commons – Shadowgate CC-SA 2.0

Eilean Donan Castle

A tour of Eilean Donan is a genuine experience with guides dressed in full period costume and multiple re-enactors. There’s an array of historic artefacts to view during your visit, showcased in rooms that are virtually unchanged from the time the castle was rebuilt nearly 100 years ago. During your visit, you can explore the castle and see period furniture, Jacobite artefacts, and displays about the castle’s storied history.

Discover Scotland

Photo: Unsplash – D.Grom

Eilean Donan Castle

An excursion to this small slice of Scottish Highland history is just one of the experiences you’ll enjoy on your Barge Cruise in Scotland. Along with opportunities to delve into the past and experience some of the most spectacular scenery in the world, you will be treated to a barging cruise that provides the utmost in comfort and hospitality.

Besides the interesting classic itinerary, both Scottish Highlander and Spirit of Scotland offer themed cruises. The Whisky Trail cruise and Family-themed cruise entail no extra supplement, while the Golfing cruise has a small supplement. Spirit of Scotland also offers a Garden cruise.

Learn more about Scotland

• Towns & Villages along the Caledonian Canal
• Places to Visit along the Caledonian Canal
• Scottish Whisky Trail Barge Cruise
• See all links for Scotland

Barges that offer Scottish Cruises

HOME >REGIONS >SCOTLAND > Eilean Donan Castle