Dunstaffnage Castle
Dunstaffnage Castle is a formidable medieval fortress located in Argyll and Bute, Scotland. Its strategic position overlooking the Firth of Lorn and guarding the entrance to Loch Etive made it a significant stronghold in the region.
History
The castle was built around the year 1220 by Duncan MacDougall, Lord of Lorn, following his marriage to a daughter of Robert de Bruce, Earl of Carrick. This marriage was part of an alliance that would later complicate matters during the Scottish Wars of Independence.
- 1220-1266: Construction and early occupation by the MacDougall Clan.
- 1266: The castle passed to the Scottish Crown as part of the Treaty of Perth which ended the Scottish-Norwegian War.
- 1309: The castle was besieged by Robert the Bruce after the MacDougalls supported his rival, John Comyn, in the struggle for the Scottish throne.
- 14th Century: The castle changed hands several times due to ongoing conflicts, including the Wars of Independence and clan disputes.
- 1470: The castle came into the possession of the Campbell Clan after Colin Campbell, 1st Earl of Argyll, married Isabella Stewart, heiress to the Lordship of Lorn.
- 1746: After the Jacobite rising of 1745, the castle was used to imprison Bonnie Prince Charlie supporters.
Architecture and Features
The castle features:
- A large, rectangular keep or donjon, which is a rare survival in Scotland.
- A curtain wall enclosing a bailey, with additional towers and defensive structures.
- A gatehouse with a drawbridge, though the original wooden bridge has been replaced with stone.
- An artillery fortification added in the 15th century to adapt to the advent of gunpowder warfare.
Current Status
Today, Dunstaffnage Castle is managed by Historic Scotland. It is open to visitors, offering a glimpse into Scotland's medieval past. The castle's grounds include the remains of a chapel, which dates back to the 13th century, and a visitor center with exhibits about its history.
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