This evening, I am presenting video clips and information on Dunstaffnage Castle which is located north of Oban at the mouth of Loch Etive. It is built on a rocky mass of Old Conglomerate. The castle has been a lordly residence for almost 600 years and was abandoned relatively recently, in 1810.

It is believed that a fortress has been on the site for over 1500 years with the present building dating from 1225 AD when it was commissioned by the Macdougalls, Lords of Lorn.

The tall, 13th century curtain wall is provisioned with a relatively modest number of arrow slits. The gatehouse has a harled or roughcast exterior (for protection from the elements). This building dates from the 15th and 16th centuries.

In 1470 the Campbells of Argyll took the Lordship of Dunstaffnage and Lorn which proved a critical move in the ascendancy of the Campbells.

The Captainship of Dunstaffnage Castle requires that the present Campbell Captain spends at least one night each year in the Gatehouse in recognition of historic rights.

Overall, this is an impressive and austere building in a pleasant location and affording excellent views over the local scenery.

This short video clip shows the castle exterior whilst the video below covers the interior and local surrounds.

Labels: castles

posted by Nigel Cole @ 1:48 PM