Eilean Donan, which means simply "island of Donnán", is named after Donnán of Eigg, a Celtic saint martyred in 617. Donnán is said to have established a church on the island. The castle was founded in the 13th century, and became a stronghold of the Clan Mackenzie and their allies. in 1719, the Mackenzies' involvement in the Jacobite rebellions led to the castle's destruction by government ships. However, in 1932, the Macrae family began reconstruction of the castle.

 

The castle is said to be haunted by the ghost of a Spanish soldier, garrisoned here as part of the Jacobite Rebellion. He wanders the castle carrying his head in the usual place - under his arm!

 

Pictured above is Eilean Donan Castle courtesy of Guillaume Piolle.