Eilean Donan is a photograph by Marcia Colelli which was uploaded on April 12th, 2013.
Eilean Donan
Dornie, Scotland near the Isle of Skye
In the earlier thirteenth century, during the reign of Alexander II (ruled 1214-1249), a large curtain-wall... more
Title
Eilean Donan
Artist
Marcia Colelli
Medium
Photograph - Photographs
Description
Dornie, Scotland near the Isle of Skye
In the earlier thirteenth century, during the reign of Alexander II (ruled 1214-1249), a large curtain-wall castle (wall of enceinte) was constructed that enclosed much of the island. At this time the area was at the boundary of the Norse-Celtic Lordship of the Isles and the Earldom of Ross: Eilean Donan provided a strong defensive position against Norse expeditions. A founding legend relates that the son of a chief of the Mathesons acquired the power of communicating with the birds. As a result, and after many adventures overseas, he gained wealth, power, and the respect of Alexander II, who asked him to build the castle to defend his realm.
At a later date, the island became a stronghold of the Mackenzies of Kintail, originally vassals of Uilleam, Earl of Ross. At this early stage, the castle is said to have been garrisoned by Macraes and Maclennans, both clans that were later closely associated with the Mackenzies. Traditional Mackenzie clan histories relate that Earl William sought advantage from the Treaty of Perth of 1266, by which King Magnus VI of Norway ceded the Hebrides to Scotland, and demanded that his kinsman Kenneth Mackenzie return the castle to allow his expansion into the islands; Mackenzie refused, and Earl William led an assault against Eilean Donan that the Mackenzies and their allies repulsed.
The Mackenzie clan histories also claim (with little, if any, supporting contemporary evidence), that Robert the Bruce sheltered at Eilean Donan during the winter of 1306 to 1307; the castle escaped any other involvement in the Wars of Scottish Independence. In 1331 Thomas Randolph, Earl of Moray, sent an officer to Eilean Donan to warn the occupants of his forthcoming visit. In preparation 50 wrongdoers were rounded up and executed, their heads being displayed on the castle walls to Moray's approval. By the middle of the 14th century the Mackenzies are said to have been on the losing side in the ongoing feuding with the Earls of Ross; Earl Uilleam III granted Kintail to Raghnall Mac Ruaidhr� in 1342. With the assistance of Leod Macgilleandrais, the Earl allegedly apprehended Kenneth Mackenzie, 3rd of Kintail, and had him executed in 1346 at Inverness. Through this period Eilean Donan is said to have been held by Duncan Macaulay for the Mackenzies, against the Earl and his allies. Kenneth's young son Murdo Mackenzie supposedly evaded the Earl's attempts to eliminate him, and on the return of David II from exile Murdo Mackenzie was allegedly confirmed in the lands of Kintail and Eilean Donan by a charter of 1362 (of which, however, no trace survives to the present day). At some point in the earlier 14th century it is thought that the Clan Macrae began to settle in Kintail as a body, having migrated from the Beauly Firth, and there gained the trust of the Mackenzie lairds through possible kinship and an advantageous marriage. The Macraes began to act as Mackenzie's bodyguards, acquiring the soubriquet "Mackenzie's shirt of mail"
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Uploaded
April 12th, 2013
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Comments (17)
Christiane Behrmann
An amazing landscape is surrounding this castle. Fantastic picturesque capture, Marcia! If rocks and stones could talk, books could be written. Enjoying the different colors, complimenting each other whilst the sky is active watching. Congratulations to all the so well deserved features!!!
Marcia Colelli replied:
Thank you so much Christiane for such a nice comment. It is an enchanting and beautiful place. **f18
Tatiana Travelways
Congratulations - Your beautiful artwork has been featured in the "Travel Art" group! For further promotion, you can post it to the specific Travel Destinations galleries, our Facebook group and our Pinterest board - all the links are provided on our group's homepage: https://fineartamerica.com/groups/1-travel-art.html * You are also invited to post it to our group's blog: travelartpix.com for worldwide exposure!
Randol Burns
Can't imagine the beauty of Scotland Marcia. This is magic. F/L
Marcia Colelli replied:
Thank you so very much Randol. It is a very beautiful country. I hope you get the chance to visit. 13/10
Miroslava Jurcik
Amazing place and castle !!! l/f I still writing to FAA every day to get the activity etc fixed !!