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Doune Castle (HS)

Doune

This formidable 14th century courtyard castle was built by Robert Stewart, Duke of Albany and Earl of Menteith & Fife. The brother of the king, he was the effective ruler of Scotland from 1388 to 1420. Doune became a royal retreat in the 15th century, and the Chamberlain's accounts refer to expenses there for the royal household, including the king’s fisher, gardener, park-keeper, sergeant and jailer. The most striking features of the castle are the tower, gatehouse and hall, combined in a massive frontal block. The castle has been in the ownership of the earls of Moray since 1580. It was the 14th earl who restored and re-roofed the castle in the late 19th century. Shop and picnic area.