There is only One...

Hiya dollfaces! Has your week been grand!?! Mine has been quite dandy and the weather has been glorious. I've been out taking some photos here and there, which I will share with you soon once I get them ready.  Some of you have been asking for more castles and history posts, so here you are! This is one of my favourite castles in Scotland, up in the highlands away from city life, there is only birds flying high, trees as green as emeralds, nature dancing and moving in wonder. The accents are soft and gentle, welcoming you with a smile and hello, as your transported back in time. Every step you can feel the historical riches seeping from the seems, as if your there and this is where you live. I truly say to anyone visit here, you will be happy you did, it's a marvellous and enchanting place. So much to learn and explore!!

Have a sweet weekend dollfaces!!

xoxoxo

A Bit of History

{ Eilean Donan (Scottish Gaelic: Eilean Donnain) is a small island in Loch Duich in the western Highlands of Scotland. It is connected to the mainland by a footbridge and lies about half a mile from the village of Dornie. 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, though no trace of this remains.

The island is dominated by a picturesque castle which is widely familiar from many photographs and appearances in film and television. The castle was founded in the 13th century, but was destroyed in the 18th century. The present buildings are the result of 20th century reconstruction. Eilean Donan Castle is the home of the Clan Macrae.

Eilean Donan is part of the Kintail National Scenic Area, one of 40 in Scotland. In 2001, the island had a population of just one person. As one of the most iconic images of Scotland, Eilean Donan is recognised all around the world. Situated on an island at the point where three great sea lochs meet, and surrounded by some majestic scenery, it is little wonder that the castle is now one of the most visited and important attractions in the Scottish highlands. 

Although first inhabited around the 6th century, the first fortified castle was built in the mid 13th century and stood guard over the lands of Kintail. Since then, at least four different versions of the castle have been built and re-built as the feudal history of Scotland unfolded through the centuries. 

Partially destroyed in a Jacobite uprising in 1719, Eilean Donan lay in ruins for the best part of 200 years until Lieutenant Colonel John MacRae-Gilstrap bought the island in 1911 and proceeded to restore the castle to its former glory. After 20 years of toil and labour the castle was re-opened in 1932. 

Today, you can explore nearly every part of the castle, and enjoy a journey through the history of the area. The castle is one of the most photographed monuments in Scotland and a popular venue for weddings and film locations. It has appeared in such films as The Master of Ballantrae (1953), The Private Life of Sherlock Holmes (1970), Highlander (1986), Mio in the Land of Faraway (1987), Loch Ness (1996), Kuch Kuch Hota Hai (1998), Entrapment (1999), The World Is Not Enough(1999), Kandukondain Kandukondain (2000), Elizabeth: The Golden Age (2007), Made of Honor (2007) and in the television series The New Avengers (1976) and Oliver's Travels (1995).

It also appears on the cover of Secret Garden's album Dreamcatcher (2000) and the Brandywine Celtic Harp Orchestra's CD, Celtic Journeys (2008).

The castle is also featured in several of BBC One's famous "Balloon" network ID clips. 

{Loch Duich}

{Bridge across}

{Scottish kilts}

{Castle Reflections}

{A Doll's dream of a Castle}

{All of these photos are copyrighted to me, ©TimbarikaDoll. All Rights Reserved. Do not use or alter in any way without my permission}

                                         {info borrowed from Wikipedia & castle website}

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