Doug Shepherd's photos with the keyword: Sea Loch

Eilean Donan (Scottish Gaelic: Eilean Donnain) is a small tidal island where three sea lochs meet, Loch Duich, Loch Long and Loch Alsh, in the western Highlands of Scotland. A picturesque castle that frequently appears in photographs, film and television dominates the island, which lies about 1 kilometre (0.62 mi) from the village of Dornie. Since the castle's restoration in the early 20th century, a footbridge has connected the island to the mainland. Eilean Donan is part of the Kintail National Scenic Area, one of 40 in Scotland] In 2001, the island had a recorded population of just one person, but there were no "usual residents" at the time of the 2011 census. Eilean Donan, which means simply "island of Donnán", is named after Donnán of Eigg, a Celtic saint martyred in 617. Donnán is said to have established a church on the island, though no trace of this remains. The castle was founded in the thirteenth century, and became a stronghold of the Clan Mackenzie and their allies the Clan Macrae. In the early eighteenth century, the Mackenzies' involvement in the Jacobite rebellions led in 1719 to the castle's destruction by government ships. Lieutenant-Colonel John Macrae-Gilstrap's twentieth-century reconstruction of the ruins produced the present buildings. It is possible that an early Christian monastic cell was founded on the island in the 6th or 7th century, dedicated to Donnán of Eigg, an Irish saint who was martyred on Eigg in April 617. No remains of any Christian buildings survive, though fragments of vitrified stone, subjected to very high temperatures, have been discovered indicating the presence of an Iron Age or early medieval fortification.

Best enlarged View to the west across Ardmore Bay and Ardmore Point towards Dunvagan Head on the far side of Loch Dunvagan. Just visible on the horizon beyond lie islands of the Outer Hebrdies.

Best enlarged Healabhal Bheag (Macleods Table South) and Healabhal Mhòr (Macleods Table North,) (nearest), are located on the Duirinish peninsula of Skye. The prominent pair of peaks known as MacLeod's Tables dominate the views to the west of Dunvegan. According to legend, the flat summits of Macleod's Tables were created after St Columba visited Skye - and was refused hospitality by the island's chief. Distinctly unimpressed, St Columba threw a wobbly, the skies darkened, there was an almighty crash and lo, he had a table to eat at and a bed to sleep on. Heights: Healabhal Bheag - 489m (1604 ft) Healabhal Mhòr - 469 m (1538 ft)