Loch an Eilein and its Island Castle
[Loch an Eilein =Loch of the Island].The castle dates to the 14th century and provided a place of refuge for the local people when raiding clans appeared. Rothiemurchus has been in the care of the Grant family for over 400 years. Loch an Eilein and is managed for the enjoyment of people and nature conservation The ruined island castle on nearby Loch an Eilein is estimated to be at least 600 years old and was used as a refuge in troubled times. It was attacked by Jacobite MacDonalds after the Battle of Cromdale in 1690, but the Grant defenders successfully beat off the assault. The castle was used in the 1700's to hold Jacobite prisoners, but later fell into disuse as Scotland became a more peaceful country. The Visitor Centre at Loch an Eilein and the surrounding area are themselves part of the story of Rothiemurchus through the centuries. The loch was at one time dammed to provide water to float cut timber down to the River Spey. Limestone was quarried nearby and burnt in the lime kiln beside the Visitor Centre. Traces can still be seen of the small community which lived and worked beside the loch.
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Photo credit: © David Gowans / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
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