Eilan Donan Castle, Kyle of Lochalsh, Scotland

Eilan Donan Castle (also called Dornie Castle) is Scotland's most photographed castle - and you can see why ! Its located near Kyle of Lochalsh on the West Coast, close to the Isla of Skye. It sits on its own little island where Loch Duich meets Loch Alsh (both of which are sea lochs).

The setting is quite spectacular and lends itself well to photography. Although its origins date back to the 1300s, it was a ruin for some time and what you see today was rebuilt around 100 years ago.

Its played its part in history over the years including during the Jacobite rebellion in the 1700s during which is was largely destroyed, and lay a ruin for nearly 200 years before the rebuilding works in the early 1900s.

You can enter the castle (there is a reasonable fee), although it is quite popular and during the day its fairly busy, unless you visit outside of tourist season. You cant get access to the castle itself at night, but its worth visiting because its quite pretty when all lit up at night.

The castle was used as the base for the clan McLeod in the 80s hit film Highlander, and can be clearly seen, along with its little bridge. In fact, one of my friends who lived near it as a child was cast as an extra in some of the scenes !

Its nearly impossible to drive past the castle without stopping and taking in the views - its such a pretty setting. There is also a nice visitors centre, with good car parking, facilities, a shop and a nice cafe.

The views down Loch Alsh are also quite spectacular, and often provide great sunsets (which is fairly common across all of the west coast).

The keep itself is quite a large strong and sturdy structure. I dont know how well the rebuilt structure reflects of what was originally there, but the certainly created something quite magical.

Its also worth noting that the local area is well worth a visit - you are close to Skye with all it has to offer, and the village of Plockton is quite close as well which is very picturesque - although the Castle is the main draw.

There is also a wee view point on the hillside overlooking it which you can walk up to, which gives a fantastic view across the whole setting. None of the photos we took came out when we went up there in the evening, although I do like the following one which is fun !

Anyway, if you are ever in the area - I'd highly recommend it - and make sure and take your camera with you !