Oban in Argyll and Bute, Scotland, United Kingdom — Northwestern Europe (the British Isles)
Dunstaffnage Castle
Fàilte do Chaisteal Dhùn Staidhinis
Welcome to Dunstaffnage Castle
Duncan MacDougall built this fortress as a statement of his status as Lord of Lorn. It is one of Scotland's oldest stone castles and guards the approaches to Loch Etive.
Warden of the West
In the mid-1100s, Norway controlled Scotland's western seaboard and Somerled, a Gaelic – Norse warlord ruled the 'kingdom of the isles, which included Argyll. When he died, in 1164, his lands were divided among his sons. His grandson, Duncan, built Dunstaffnage Castle in about 1220.
This stronghold has witnessed much of western Scotland's turbulent history. It remains in the hands of the powerful Campbell clan, still watching over the waters of the western seas.
Key
1 Dunstaffnage Castle, perched on its rocky outcrop.
2 Outer walls and a defensive ditch gave extra layers of protection.
3 – Stable blocks were situated outside the castle. You can see the remains of an 18th-century coachhouse.
4 Don't miss the MacDougall family chapel.
5 Boat noosts and a galley-house provided space and shelter for repairing boats.
Timeline
c.1220 Duncan MacDougall grandson of Somerled (left) builds the castle.
c.1247 Ewen MacDougall adds the corner towers to his father’s castle.
1308 Robert the Bruce lays seige to and captures Dunstaffnage.
1470 James III grants the castle to the Campbells.
1746 Flora MacDonald is held here after helping Bonnie Prince Charlie to escape.
( photo caption )
Left: An artist's impression of Dunstaffnage Castle in the 1200s. Today's entrance replaced the original drawbridge, around the other side of the castle.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Forts and Castles.
Location. 56° 27.266′ N, 5° 26.246′ W. Marker is in Oban, Scotland, in Argyll and Bute. Marker can be reached from Kirk Road, 1.6 kilometers north of Route A85, on the left when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Oban, Scotland PA37, United Kingdom. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 5 kilometers of this marker, measured as the crow flies. A Hidden Haven (a few steps from this marker); Behind the Walls (a few steps from this marker); Core of the Castle (within shouting distance of this marker); Justice and Joviality (within shouting distance of this marker); A Towering Outlook (within shouting distance of this marker); Watching, Waiting and Warning (within shouting distance of this marker); Falls of Lora (approx. 2.7 kilometers away); McCaig’s Tower (approx. 4.7 kilometers away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Oban.
Also see . . .
1. Dunstaffnage Castle & Chapel. (Submitted on December 14, 2018, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut.)
2. Dunstaffnage Castle on Wikipedia. (Submitted on December 14, 2018, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut.)
Credits. This page was last revised on January 27, 2022. It was originally submitted on December 14, 2018, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut. This page has been viewed 140 times since then and 17 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on December 14, 2018, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut.