A SCOTS driving instructor created an incredibly realistic model of Eilean Donan Castle during lockdown which took him 80 hours.
Tony Gillanders, from Glasgow, spends his free time creating fantastically detailed miniature models of iconic sites around Scotland.
The 49-year-old said his most recent model of Eilean Donan took him “80 hours, lots of swearing, three cut fingers” and even an accident while joining metals together.
Amazing images show the process behind recreating the almost life-like 13th century castle, which featured in the 1999 James Bond film The World is Not Enough.
The stunning castle in Wester Ross was also used for filming 1986 Sci-Fi film Highlander.
Tony began the construction by mounting wooden slats to create the contours of the island.
He added grass around the castle to resemble the popular tourist visiting location.
The renowned bridge that leads across the water to the castle itself has been constructed in fine detail and features individual brick detailing.
Four coaches and visitors have been included into the model while blue skies highlight the epic construction.
Tony even created spotlights to light up the model in the evening – a feature which has been spotted during many evening trips to the real Eilean Donan Castle.
Speaking today the crafty Scot said: “It took 80 hours, lots of swearing, three cut fingers and a soldering accident.
“A company called Metcalfe produces sheets of cardboard with bricks, windows, and portcullis printed on them.
“So it’s a case of cutting out and gluing it all together, based purely on photos and YouTube drone footage.
“It’s £176 worth of bits and bobs. Modelling stuff is expensive!”
On choosing Eilean Donan to replicate, Tony added: “My friends and I regularly stop at the castle.
“Also I like the movie Highlander, featuring the castle.
“It’s just a hobby. I’m back at work now as we are thankfully no longer in lockdown so there’s nothing else planned at the moment.”
Tony posted images of his project on Facebook yesterday where social media users have been left impressed.
Vicky Bintley said: “Love the West Coast Motors detail.”
James Davo Davidson said: “Superb craftsmanship, great job.”
While Robert Bell added: “Needing a wee kayak under the bridge.”
Eilean Donan Castle is one of the most recognised castles in Scotland and is known for appearing on more shortbread tins and calendars than any other.
The 13th century castle is a popular tourist destination located in the West Highlands.
The castle guards a small island, deep in the Scottish highlands, at the intersection of three tidal lochs.
It has been described as one of the most photographed castles in the whole of Scotland.
