Eilean Donan Castle, Dornie, Ross and Cromarty, Scotland

Eilean Donan Castle is Scotland's most photographed fortified dwelling and I visited it myself on my (reluctant) return from Skye in 1999. It is situated on an island on Loch Duich near Dornie, just eight miles from the Kyle of Lochalsh where the controversial toll bridge to Skye can be found.

The most likely origin of the name Eilean Donan seems to be the Scots Gaelic for Island of Donan with Donan being a seventh century saint. The island has been the site of several fortifications associated with the Mackenzie and MacRae clans. The present building has had a chequered history, being destroyed in 1719 and repaired in the early years of the twentieth century (the restoration was finished in 1932).

Its setting not only makes it a photographic treat but also a one for film buffs since it has featured in many movies. Among these was a conspicuous appearance in Highlander, starring Christopher Lambert and Sean Connery. More recently, it has featured as the Highland HQ of MI6 in the James Bond film The World is Not Enough.