When you think you have to make a nearly three-hour round trip for a single plan, you wonder if it's not crazy! In a trip in the footsteps of James Bond a little hardcore, it is rare that we have the luxury of incidental visits. This often causes some frustration... even more when you go to a place where Bondian interest is ultimately limited, while the nearby island of Skye makes us look.
Scottish headquarters in Mi6 – Eilean Dolan (Highland)
Loyalty: ★★★★ – Access: ★☆☆ (easy)
So we arrived there late in the morning and, surprised, we are not alone. Nothing to do with our other days: the site is a real tourist attractionLike our Loire castles. It's no big deal: on the advice of the Bondian sphere, we decide not to visit inside. The entrance is expensive, and especially without much interest for a James Bond tour: all the interior plans were actually shot at Pinewood. The supposed inspiration of the interior of the castle for the scenery of the film seems rather exaggerated.
The castle of Eilean Donan, located in the Highlands of Scotland, is yet one of the most famous and photographed in the country. Built in the 13th century on a small island at the junction of three lochs, it was destroyed several times and rebuilt, before regaining in the 20th century its present, very picturesque look.
We therefore take the small road leading to « point of view ». And then, new surprise: when we thought that the production camera had simply been set at this place, we find that one angle is different, and another is a little higher. While walking again, it becomes obvious that the plan was probably taken slightly more left, probably from a crane.
We then exit the little drone, despite the prohibitions, but flying low and sneaking between the power lines... in short, under the MI6 radars! Result: a really satisfying cliché, with a tree on the left that further strengthens credibility.
In the film, the castle appears as Castle Thane. Eilean Donan will even be reused as MI6 HQ in the Everything or Nothing video game (2004).
Beyond its architectural charm, Eilean Donan has become a real film icon. Its unique silhouette has made it a prime setting for many films. One can think of the cult of Highlander, where he embodies the home of the MacLeod clan. It even appears in a video of Elmer Food Beat – Crossings are lonely
Selective filmography in Eilean Donan
- Bonnie Prince Charlie (1948)
- The Master of Ballantrae (1953)
- The New Avengers (TV, 1976)
- Black Angel (1980), short film broadcast with The Empire Strikes Back
- Highlander (1986)
- Mio in the Land of Faraway (1987)
- Loch Ness (1996)
- Kuch Kuch Hota Hai (1998)
- The World Is Not Enough (1999)
- Elizabeth: The Golden Age (2007)
- Made of Honor (2008)
• Googlemaps
• https://jamesbond.fandom.com/wiki/Castle_Thane
This blog shares my travel experiences, from unavoidable destinations to the most original and exclusive places. Each article is the result of careful work and a real time investment. If you use this information elsewhere or for your own adventures, consider citing your sources and thanking – that's what I do myself, and it's always fun.
Julien Abauzit (JaBoz)
