Imposing and remarkably intact for such an ancient (12th Century) castle. Dunstaffnage is robust in its simplicity. It overlooks Ardnamucknish Bay on the Firth of Lorn. According to Historic Scotland, Dunstaffnage was built before 1275. The castle was originally the home of the Clan MacDougall. It was captured by Robert the Bruce in 1309, who placed it in the care of the Campbell Earl of Argyll, and it remained in the hands of the Clan Campbell for centuries. Flora MacDonald was imprisoned for a period here in 1746, for her role in the escape of Bonnie Prince Charlie, the Young Pretender following his defeat at the Battle of Culloden. The site is thought to have housed a stronghold of the Kings of Dalriada in the 7th Century. Government troops occupied the castle during the Jacobite Risings of 1715 and 1745.
Location: Dunstaffnage Castle, near Dunbeg (Oban), Argyll and Bute, Scottish Highlands, Scotland, United Kingdom
Photographer: Jason Gilchrist
