Introduction

Dunstaffnage Castle is located near Oban on the west coast of Scotland.

This unusual name is derived from the Old Norse stafr meaning staff. Dun=fort so the word translates as ‘fort on the staff ness’.

There has probably been a fortress here, at the mouth of Loch Etive, for over 1500 years. The site has associations with the early Scots who came from Ireland. The famous Stone of Destiny (crowning place of Scottish kings) may have been housed here after initial transfer from Ireland.

History of the castle

The substance of the castle structure has remained unchanged for seven hundred years. It has been expertly moulded to fit the foundation of Old Red Conglomerate rock on which it sits with walls rising in places to sixty feet in height.

Video clip of castle interior.

Originally, the castle was a MacDougall stronghold but this clan lost control after supporting the wrong side during the Wars of Independence (late 13th and early 14th centuries). Thereafter the castle was under control of the Stewarts and then the Campbells of Argyll from 1470.

Dunstaffnage was abandoned in fairly recent times, in 1810, due to a disastrous fire.To this day the Campbell Captain spends at least one night each year in the castle gatehouse as a symbol of the historic connection.

Visiting

The castle is open throughout the year and is easily accessed by motor transport from Oban. Check website for details. Oban can be reached by rail, bus or motor vehicle.

The location provides excellent views over Dunstaffnage Bay.

More information

For more information on Scottish castles and many aspects of touring Scotland please refer Visitors’ Guide to Scotland, ISBN, 978-1-9161332-0-4