Wednesday, February 26, 2014

Eilean Donan Castle...Dornie, by Kyle of Lochalsh

 
Imagine...
 
standing here, looking at one of the most photographed castles in Scotland.
 
 
 
The late afternoon sun only enhances the beauty in the setting.
 
 
Picturesquely located within the Highlands of western Scotland, views like this can inspire the heart to write a romantic novel.
 
 
Seamless reflections making it difficult to see where they begin. This is the stone bridge that connects from the mainland, to the islet.
 
 
One feels the history, as you walk the narrow bridge, with the castle looming large on the other side.
 
 
The entrance gate, complete with a portcullis.
 
 
 
 
Views from inside the castle walls of the entrance steps to the Main Keep and Billeting Room.
 
 
As we were following the Bastion and Great Well Walkway, I looked straight down to capture the heptagonal sides of the water cistern.
 
 
The flag of Scotland, waving freely in the wind.
 
 
Three lochs come together here...Loch Long, Loch Duich, and Loch Alsh.
 
 
The castle, founded in the 13th century, became a stronghold of the Clan MacKenzie and their allies, the Clan MacRae.
 
The most destructive damage, to the castle, was carried out during the Jacobite Uprising, in 1719.
 
Through the vision and dedication of Lieutenant-Colonel John MacRae-Gilstrap, and his clerk of works, Farquhar MacRae, we are able to enjoy the castle we see today.  The work began in 1912 with completion in 1932, at a cost of a quarter of a million pounds.
 
 
Saying Good-Bye to this day.....
with one more look at Eilean Donan.
Meggie Mac
 
I'm linking today with A Bit About Britain. Click HERE ....you won't be disappointed in the beautiful photography and interesting posts. 

26 comments:

  1. gorgeous views. i would love to go to Scotland one day. ( :

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  2. Meggie these are breath taking and inspiring indeed ! Fantastic photos . It must have been such a thrill to have actually been there taking them.I was quite thrilled just looking at them. Thanks for the share !

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    1. "Inspiring" is a perfect word, when thinking about Scotland!

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  3. Amazing and gorgeous photos. What a trip of a lifetime.

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  4. Beautiful. We missed that one when we were in Scotland. There is so much to see!

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    1. It was possible because we traveled to the Isle of Skye. You are right...there is so much to see!

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  5. That is a fantastic castle! Gorgeous countryside, too! Really nice shots!

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  6. fabulous shots-I have visited here once long ago and maybe doing so again this fall, meeting up with a childhood chum, photos are great inspiration to return..;

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    Replies
    1. I think my daughter and I both agree, we want to return again this year.

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  7. Beautiful pictures. The castle looks massive and I always wonder who and how they built such a structure without modern tools. It's a work of art..You must have had a trip of a lifetime, I have enjoyed your posts and pictures so much, thank you!!!

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    1. Everyday day was full of adventure....and we had such lovely weather

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  8. You've shown me a side of Scotland we didn't get to see; we stayed in Edinborough where my hubby's family is from. We talk of going back and your photos inspire me even more. What a lovely time you must have had, XOXO

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  9. Wow, you were very lucky with the weather! We did have a cracking summer last year, it has to be said. I've often driven past Eilean Donan castle, and a few times stopped at the coffee shop to break our journey to the ferry at Uig - but I've never gone inside!

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  10. Meggie it looks truly beautiful and I am almost ashamed to say that although Scotland is driveable from where we live I have only visited it once, 30 years ago! We really ought to go back.

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    1. Lucky you.....I have thought about coming for a couple of months. I hope you do make the trip.

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  11. Glad to see that you enjoyed yourself...and Hi!!

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  12. it looks so medieval, i was looking for knights on horses & Ladies fair

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  13. I just clicked on this post, thinking that I'd commented on it at the time - but I can't have done! Wonderful photos - you were very lucky with the weather. And you've given me a mention, which I can't have thanked you for - very embarrassing - you must have thought me very rude! Thank you so much (belatedly).

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    1. Not at all, Mike....rude never entered my mind. Many weeks, I simply cannot find the time to read all the posts I enjoy. I'm sure your life is no different.

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  14. Beautiful pics! I love how you mentioned that it could inspire someone to write a romantic novel. It did me, that's for sure! My young adult romance series features a hero from Eilean Donan Castle prior to its destruction in 1719. If only they allowed photos inside. It's magnificent! Thanks for the trip down memory lane. :)

    Cyndi Tefft
    www.cynditefft.com

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