This original artwork is of Eilean Donan Castle, one of Scotland's most recognisable castles, dramatically situated on a small island in Loch Duich.
Today, Eilean Donan looks almost impossibly picturesque, but its history is considerably more turbulent. The castle was left in ruins for around 200 years before being rebuilt in the 1920s, creating the romantic appearance we know today.
The story that particularly inspired me concerns the Jacobite rising, when a company of Spanish soldiers supporting the Jacobite cause was stationed at the castle. They were also supplied with a considerable quantity of explosives – which, as it turned out, was probably not the best combination of castle and ammunition.
The English Government sent three warships to deal with the situation. After bombarding Eilean Donan with cannon fire, the government forces eventually stormed the castle, captured the Spanish garrison and used the explosives to blow up much of the castle.
I was already intrigued by the story, but was definitely thrilled to discover that one of those ships was called The Enterprise. As a lifelong fan of a certain famous starship, I couldn't resist enjoying that particular historical coincidence!
 
Subject: Eilean Donan Castle, Scotland
Medium: Ink pen and ink wash
Surface: Ampersand archival hardback Claybord
Image size: 29.5x39.5cm
Framed: No
Original: Yes
Certificate of Authentication: Yes
Artist: Graham McKenzie-Smith