Castle of dreams
Think of the most famous castles in Scotland, and Edinburgh or Balmoral might come to mind. But though the name of Eilean Donan doesn’t have the same resonance, images of it might. Dubbed “the most beautiful castle in Scotland”, Eilean Donan has been splashed on countless calendars, postcards and guidebook covers. With its weatherworn crenellations, tidal-island location and stone footbridge, the castle is the perfect symbol of romanticised medieval life.
It’s also one that would look far different today if it weren’t for the 20th-century restoration that returned it to its romantic glory – and, incredibly, that was partly based on the vivid dreams of a stonemason.
Think of the most famous castles in Scotland, and Edinburgh or Balmoral might come to mind. But though the name of Eilean Donan doesn’t have the same resonance, images of it might. Dubbed “the most beautiful castle in Scotland”, Eilean Donan has been splashed on countless calendars, postcards and guidebook covers. With its weatherworn crenellations, tidal-island location and stone footbridge, the castle is the perfect symbol of romanticised medieval life.It’s also one that would look far different today if it weren’t for the 20th-century restoration that returned it to its romantic glory – and, incredibly, that was partly based on the vivid dreams of a stonemason.
