Eilean Donan Castle and My Family Connections

By Sheila Kerr

Journey Stone tribute to a family history at Eilean Donan
Image provided by Sheila Kerr

I chose Eilean Donan for my journey stone, as I have strong family connections with the Macrae family, hereditary Constables of the Castle, who have now set up the Conchra Charitable Trust to keep the Castle in good heart. It is one of the most photographed castles in Scotland, and I am proud to have it in my family history. My grandfather, Bruce Atta Campbell, in 1913 married Margaret Helen Macrae-Gilstrap, daughter of John, who had bought the ruined Castle in 1911.

Many thanks to Sheila Kerr for sharing with us the story behind her journey stone, created as part of the Tapestry of the Highlands and Islands.

WHAT IS A JOURNEY STONE?

Prior to the beginning of the stitching of each tapestry panel, each stitcher of the Tapestry of the Highlands and Islands was tasked with telling their interpretation of the 'Spirit of the Highlands and Islands' within a blank outline of a stone. The possibilities were truly endless - is it represented in the land? The people? A historical site? A favourite memory?

In any case, each journey stone represents the connection between each individual stitcher, their story, and their own sense, or 'spirit', of place. Discover more of the stories behind the journey stones of the Tapestry of the Highlands and Islands here.