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Dunstaffnage Castle (HS)

By Dunbeg, Near Oban

This fine 13th century castle, built on a rock, was a stronghold of the MacDougalls, Lords of Lorn. The castle was captured by Robert the Bruce in 1309. It remained in royal hands until handed over to the Campbells in 1470.Built to fit the rocky outcrop, Dunstaffnage had three round towers. One of these was partly dismantled to make way for the projecting gateway built for the new Campbell owners in 1500. Within the courtyard there would once buildings including a great hall. At the bottom of the four storeyed tower was a dismal unlit prison cell. Close by is a chapel built at about the same time as the castle. The castle was the temporary prison of Flora Macdonald in 1746.Shop.