Scottish Tour Guide's Blog

Piper at Eilean Donan Castle, Scotland

This evening, I am focusing on one of Scotland’s top visitor attractions, namely Eilean Donan Castle  which is, conveniently for visitors, situated near Kyle of Lochalsh on the road from Isle of Skye to Loch Ness in the Scottish Highlands. In fact the castle’s location has nothing to do with modern road communications but its situation at the confluence of lochs Alsh, Duich and Long allows control of important waterways which, in historic times, were the only means of travel.

Although ancient in appearance the current structure was completed as recently as 1932 albeit modelled on its predecessor which was destroyed by two British Government frigates in 1719 when it was garrisioned by Jacobite supporters.

Looking back through history there is evidence of settlement/fortification on the site dating back to the Iron Age ( approx. 1000 BC to 300 AD). The current castle has a lineage dating back to a medieval origin in the 13th and 14th centuries.

After lying ruins for 200 years it was Lieutenant Colonel John MacRae-Gilstrap who inspired, motivated and financed the rebuilding of the castle. Today, it is the home of the Chief of Clan MacRae and a central point of affinity for MacRaes around the world.

The key facilities comprise courtyard, billeting room, banqueting hall, bedrooms and kitchen range.

Because of its romantic and photogenic appearance the castle has featured in numerous films including Highlander, Loch Ness, Master of Ballantrae and James Bond.

The name Eilean Donan is Gaelic for Island of Donan

Harpist at Eilean Donan Castle, Scotland

Reflections at Eilean Donan Castle, Scotland

Bridge to Eilean Donan Castle, Scotland

This is a quality and popular visitor attraction which I invariably include in my Highlands tours.

Monster, Loch Ness, Scotland

This morning we departed our Inverness lodgings and drove south for about 20 mins to the ‘Clansman’ centre to connect with our Loch Ness cruise boat.

River Ness, Inverness, Scotland

Cruise Boat, Loch Ness, Scotland

The boat trip duly departed at 10.00 am for a one hour cruise  taking us south down the loch to Castle Urquhart and back to our departure point at the Clansman. Weather remained dry, albeit overcast.

Castle Urquhart, Loch Ness, Scotland

Next the group visited the Loch Ness Exhibition at Drumnadrochit after which we continued south, down the Great Glen alongside Loch Ness until we turned off right to head for Isle of Skye. This route took us through some stark and stunning Highland scenery.  We stopped for an enjoyable lunch at the remote Cluanie Inn and then on to the famous  Eilean Donan Castle, home to the Chief of Clan Macrae.

Highland Scenery, Cluanie Inn, Scotland

Cluanie Inn, Highlands, Scotland

Eilean Donan Castle, Scotland

Eilean Donan Castle, Scotland

After a tour of the castle we continued towards Isle of Skye, passing through Kyle of Lochalsh and then across the Skye Bridge to Broadford. Here we first visited some artist and craft shops and then checked into our Guest House lodgings. In the evening guests dined at Creelers fish restaurant which proved an excellent experience.

Unfortunately, the weather has closed in this evening (raining) but we are hopeful of an improvement for our tour of the island of Skye tomorrow.

Eiiean Donan Castle, Clan Macrae, Scotland

This morning, we departed our lodgings at Kyle of Lochalsh and drove about 15 mins to visit the famous Eilean Donan Castle, home to Clan Macrae. This classic and visually attractive castle is possibly the most photographed of its type in Scotland and has featured in a number of films including the Highlander.

Eilean Donan Castle, Highlands, Scotland

After about 1 hour we headed N W to Ullapool on the N.W. Coast. We navigated through some stunning scenery and on arrival at this village/ferry port availed of lunch before moving on again.

Ullapool Harbour, Scotland

View from Ullapool, Highlands, Scotland

Next we headed N.E.passing through more magnificent scenery including such mountains as Beinn Ghobhlach, Beinn Mhor Coigich and Stac Pollaidh.

Mountain Scene, Highlands,Scotland

Our route took us through varied mid Highlands scenery where we witnessed valleys, moorlands, prosperous towns and even industrial scale peat cutting.

Finally, we arrived at the northern port of Scrabster and our lodgings for the night.

Tomorrow, we head south for Inverness.