Castles

Besides Castle Leod, the current seat of the Chief of the Clan Mackenzie, there are numerous other castles associated with the Mackenzies throughout history. See the UK Clan Mackenzie castles page.

Castle Leod

Castle Leod has been occupied by the family of the Mackenzie Clan chief for over 500 years. Its grounds also boast the largest tree in the entire UK, and a mighty Spanish Chestnut planted in 1550 — the earliest known planting date of any tree in the UK!

Even though used as a private home, there are open days scheduled throughout Summer and Autumn, and private visits can be arranged. Information on visiting Castle Leod is on the UK Clan Mackenzie website.

http://www.castleleod.org.uk/

 



Eilean Donan

This very famous castle was once the seat of the Clan Mackenzie in antiquity. Now it serves mainly as a tourist attraction and sometimes as a movie setting.

It was partially destroyed during the Jacobite uprising of 1719 — bombarded with ship cannons for three days and then blown up with 343 barrels of gunpowder. It then sat in ruins for nearly two centuries.

The island was bought by Lieutenant Colonel John MacRae-Gilstrap in 1911, who spent 20 years rebuilding the castle based on plans surviving from earlier times. The castle finally re-opened in 1932.

There is now a visitor centre and shop, and the castle is visited by thousands of people each year.

http://www.eileandonancastle.com/



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