The rebuilding of one of Scotland's most famous castles

The rebuilding of Eilean Donan Castle took 20 long years.

But Eilean Donan Castle, as we see it today, was opened just 87 years ago following one of the most arduous and ambitious restoration projects of its day.

The 13th Century pile stood a ruin in the waters of Loch Duich for 200 years after a British Government attack. It took 20 years to piece it back together.

It is one of Scotland's most photographed landmarks and the epitome of the great Highland castle. But Eilean Donan as we see it today is just 87 years old. Originally, it could only be reached by boat.

The castle, at Loch Duich was destroyed by the Royal Navy during the minor Jacobite Rising of 1719, when Jacobites and their Spanish supporters garrisoned the stronghold. PIC: Eilean Donan Castle.

A number of Spanish soldiers were taken hostage with the remainder fighting at the Battle of Glenshiel (pictured) in June 1719, which ended in British Government victory. PIC: Creative Commons.

Eilean Donan Castle, once the traditional seat of Clan Mackenzie, lay a ruin for the next 200 years. PIC: Creative Commons.

Lt. Col. John MacRae-Gilstrap (left) of the MacRae's of Conchra, the traditional bodyguards to Clan Mackenzie, bought the castle in 1911 and launched the restoration in 1919. PIC: Eilean Donan Castle.

The job was to take almost 20 years. PIC: Eilean Donan Castle.

Stones, some weighing about 1.5tons, were taken from the hills by Lochlongside and carried to the castle by horse and boat. PIC: Eilean Donan Castle.

The restoration was praised at a time when Scottish castles were facing wholesale demolition given the rising costs of maintaining such properties. PIC: Eilean Donan Castle.

The restoration was a tough manual affair with a crane not used until the final stages of the job. PIC: Eilean Donan Castle.