The Dunstaffnage Castle was built sometime around 1240 by Duncan MacDougall, who was the son of the Lord of Lorn and the grandson of the great Somerled. This was a mighty time of struggle in Scotland as the tussle between the Kingdom of Scotland and Norway to decide who would control the Hebrides was in full throttle.
Considered one of the oldest stone castles in Scotland, the Dunstaffnage Castle still attracts thousands of tourists because of its beautiful location, standing tall atop a gigantic rocky outcrop on the outskirts of Oban, and its interesting and intriguing history. Its strategic position and a daunting curtain wall that has stood the test of time are some of the highlights of this amazing castle.
Dunstaffnage Castle History
“Dunstaffnage Castle History“, by Michael Garlick, is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0 DEED
The castle, dating back to around 1240 and constructed by Duncan MacDougall, son of Earl Somerled, known as the ‘King of the Isles,’ holds a tumultuous history rooted in the conflicts between Scotland and Norway for control of the Hebrides. Marked by a formidable curtain wall and arrow slits, the castle endured violent episodes during the Wars of Independence (1296–1356), including a notable siege by Robert the Bruce in 1308.
Although the King of Scots gained control in 1266, Dunstaffnage continued to witness conflicts until it passed to the Campbell earls of Argyll in the 1460s. From then until the last Jacobite Rising in 1745–46, the castle played an important role in the struggles between the Crown and the Campbells to govern the Western subjects.
A renowned guest of the castle was Flora MacDonald, imprisoned there in 1746 after aiding Bonnie Prince Charlie’s escape from Scotland. Within the courtyard, remnants of the great hall and the ‘new house,’ believed to be Flora’s holding quarters, can be found. Despite the castle’s rich history, it is only part of the complete narrative.
The name Dunstaffnage originates from the Gaelic ‘dun,’ meaning fort, and the Norse ‘staff-nis,’ signifying headland. Due to its strategic position, some form of defensive settlement has existed at this location since the early 7th century. It is thought that the Kings of Dalriada, arriving in Argyll from Ireland, constructed a fort here. There is even a suggestion that the Stone of Destiny was temporarily housed in Dunstaffnage as a secure refuge before its transportation to Scone Palace in 843.
Dunstaffnage Castle Inside
The new fortress, constructed much later to enhance the defensive capabilities, featured an imposing curtain wall of stone, behind which were the residential and service buildings. The defensive wall had small openings, limited to narrow vertical arrow slits. The remains of these structures can still be seen during a visit to the castle.
Duncan’s son Ewen added the three projecting round towers, which are still visible today. He undertook this construction to showcase his power and improve the castle’s defenses. Although one of the towers later changed into a gatehouse, the other two remain mainly unchanged from their original construction.
Despite its current state of ruins, much of what remains today echoes the castle’s glorious and magnificent past. In its shattered state, the castle still narrates a rich history and the multitude of events it bore witness to.
Dunstaffnage Castle Interesting Facts
It would be safe to say that the history of the Dunstaffnage Castle is just as interesting as intriguing is its look and feel. Here are some interesting facts about it.
- In 1746, Flora MacDonald, considered one of the most romantic characters in Scottish history, was detained at Dunstaffnage before being transferred to the Tower of London for her role in assisting Bonnie Prince Charlie’s escape.
- Dunstaffnage Castle is said to be haunted by a ghost known as the Ell-maid of Dunstaffnage. According to local lore, it wanders the castle ramparts clad in green. The legend suggests that if Ell-maid is seen smiling, it foretells good fortune, while her tears are seen as an ominous sign indicating impending trouble for the Clan.
Dunstaffnage Castle Nearby Places to Stay
Perched atop a massive rocky outcrop three miles north of Oban, a charming town in Scotland, Dunstaffnage Castle provides various accommodation options conveniently located nearby. Some of them include the Great Western Hotel, Greenacre Guest House, Oyster Inn, Glengorm Guest House, St. Anne’s House Hotel, etc. While some of these are commercial hotels, others are homestays and more.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who owns the Dunstaffnage Castle?
While the castle was originally built by Duncan MacDougall around 1240, Historic Environment Scotland currently owns it.
Where is the Dunstaffnage Castle located?
The castle is located in the beautiful little town of Oban in Scotland.
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Debayan Dey
He is a versatile E-Learning Support Officer and former Academic Officer at the University of York, United Kingdom. Not just an expert in education and technology, Debayan also has a deep love for castles and mountains. With a passion for travel, having explored 168+ cities worldwide, and a keen eye for photography, He brings a unique blend of experiences to the table. Specializing in E-learning content, IT support, AR development, and software engineering, Debayan has made a significant impact, educating over 200,000 students on Udemy.
