It is not hard to realise the position commanded by the Castle during the troubled times of the marauding Norse and Danish adventurers who raided along these coasts. Nor is it difficult, when gazing down today from the heights above the shore of the loch, to visualise an era of savage but somehow glorious warfare, when the Clans fought and the MacRaes found refuge in this impregnable fortress, defying the attacks of their enemies.

Much of the history of the castle has been preserved within its solid walls and immortalised in the ballads and stories handed down from generation to generation.

The beginnings of Eilean Donan Castle reach back into the early mists of time. Evidence of a pictish fort was found in vitrified rock uncovered during excavations-some of which has been kept for visitors to see. At the beginning of the seventh century St Donan (d.618) lived on the island as a religious hermit: the name "Eilean Donan" means "Island of Donan". This was the period when Christianity was first introduced to the Western Isles.

The first fortified stronghold was established in the reign of Alexander II (1214-1250). In 1263 Alexander III gave the castle to Colin Fitzgerald, son of the Earl of Desmond and Kildare (later to become MacKenzies) as a reward for services in the Battle of Largs. The famous battle culminated in the defeat of the Norwegian King, Haco. Following his death shortly after, his successor, Magnus, ceded all the Western Isles to Scotland.

Traditionally it is believed that in the early part of the fourteenth century Robert the Bruce, out of favour with many of the clan chiefs as well as being hunted by the English, was given refuge in EileanDonanCastle by John MacKenzie, Second of Kintail. Later, in 1331, the fortunes of Robert the Bruce had changed; he had defeated his enemies and established his position as King of Scotland. He sent his son Randolph, Earl of Moray and Warden of Scotland, to Kintail.

Although the island of Eilean Donan has been a fortified site for at least eight hundred years, the present building dates largely from the early 20th century. Today's castle, which rose from the ruins of it's predecessor, was rebuilt between 1912 and 1932 by Lieutenant Colonel John MacRae-Gilstrap. 

Eilean Donan is quite unique, the product of an incredible feat of determination and devotion to restore the Castle for the MacRae family. It is hard to believe that the present castle has yet to celebrate its 100^th  birthday, but easy to be absorbed by the atmosphere of a place which has stood witness to so much history. 

Beinn Eighe is Britain’s oldest National Nature Reserve. It was set up in 1951 primarily to protect the ancient pinewood west of Kinlochewe, but the reserve embraces a vast area of 48 square kilometres stretching from loch-side to mountain top. A huge cluster of rugged peaks, ridges and scree-covered slopes between Loch Maree and Glen Torridon forms part of this national jewel, most of which is owned by Scottish Natural Heritage. The importance of the whole of Beinn Eighe – for wildlife, geology and enjoyment of the natural Highland scene – is now recognised worldwide.

Beinn Eighe has attracted a clutch of accolades:

1951 National Nature Reserve – first in Britain (extended 1962 and 1973). SNH now manages over 70 NNRs.

1969 Gairloch Conservation Unit formed (first deer management group in Scotland)

1976 Biosphere Reserve

1978 Part of Wester Ross National Scenic Area

1983 Awarded Council of Europe Diploma (renewed 1988, 1993, 1998 and 2003))

1985 Site of Special Scientific Interest

1988 Two Geological Conservation Review Sites

1996 Part of the Loch Maree Complex candidate Special Area of Conservation

For visitors who would like to find out more about Beinn Eighe, there’s a visitor centre just outside Kinlochewe, which is open Easter to October, and three all-ability trails that are open all year. Other facilities for the public include the two self-guiding Glas Leitir Woodland and Mountain Trails, which start beside the main A832 road.