Eilean Donan Castle Loch Duich Highland Scotland

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Photographed from public place The original castle was built in 1220 for Alexander II. By the 13th century it had become a stronghold of the Mackenzies of Kintail and in 1511, the MacRaes, as protectors of the MacKenzies, became the hereditary Constables of the Castle. In 1539 Iain Dubh Matheson, chief of the Clan Matheson died whilst defending the Castle on Eilean Donan island against the Clan MacDonald of Sleat on behalf of the Clan MacRae and Clan MacKenzie. In April 1719 the castle was occupied by Spanish troops attempting to start another Jacobite Rising. The castle was recaptured and demolished by Royal Navy frigates in May 1719. The Spanish troops were defeated a month later at the Battle of Glen Shiel. The castle was restored between 1912 and 1932 by Lt. Col. John MacRae-Gilstrap. The restoration included the construction of an arched bridge.

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Size: 5120px × 3413px
Location: Loch Duich Highland Scotland
Photo credit: © wyrdlight / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

Keywords: alexander, castle, donan, duich, eilean, flag, jacobit, loch, mackenzies, macrae, spaniards