Dratsie is the old Scottish name for an otter. It was once believed that there are such creatures as “otter kings” who were often seen accompanied by seven black otters. If captured, these otter kings would readily grant any wish to secure their freedom.
Killing an otter king, if you wished to do so, was difficult as they could only be killed by striking it directly on a small black spot beneath its chin.
Ancient legend tells that Eilean Donan itself is the burial place of one such king of otters, and his coat of silver is buried somewhere on the island. Folklore states whoever finds his coat will be rewarded with immortality and invincibility.
Otters are common and widespread in this area and are often seen around the Island.