In May of 2024, I was fortunate enough to spend two weeks touring castles in Scotland, home of my ancestors.  As we traveled through the Highlands, we had a chance to tour Eilean Donan (pronounced 'eye lee-uhn doh nun'), a castle situated by the picturesque village of Dornie on the main tourist route to the Isle of Skye.

It served as a stronghold for the Clan Mackenzie and their allies, the Clan MacRae, before its destruction by government ships in 1719. The castle was later restored between 1912 and 1932 by Lt. Colonel John Macrae-Gilstrap, which transformed it into a popular and iconic visitor attraction.   It is considered to be the most photographed castle in Scotland.

Our tour was guided by the gentleman in the picture Ian, and his friendly gruff demeanor was quite wonderful, even though he had a habit of forgetting dates of the events as he lectured.  After the tour, we were permitted to wander freely through most parts of the castle and, as I wandered,  I came across a steep set of stairs leading to the upper part of the castle's exterior.  Peeking out of a door on a landing halfway up the stairs was Ian, watching the tourists explore the castle below.  Loving the composition, I asked if he would mind if I snapped his picture and, after a quick glance around, he respoonded with a gruff "Aye, but make it quick."  Without pausing to check my settings, I quickly snapped the photo, thanked him and went on my way.

It remains one of my favorite photos from our trip and I will always remember his gruff yet friendly response to my request for a photo.