Dunstaffnage Castle

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.