Dunstaffnage Castle
the rather bleak and featurelesss south wall of the castle and rock foundation
Ownership
The kings of the Dalriada likely had a fortress here in the 7th century - it is noted as one of the places that hte Stone of Destiny (upon which all kings of Scotland have been crowned) was stored. (The stone is now at Scone Palace -- at least, that's the story!)
The currnet castle is a MacDougall stronghold, built by Ewan MacDougall, Lord of Lorn, between 1240-1275. . It was captured by Robert the Bruce in 1309 and it was made a royal castle under the control o the Campbells at that time. These 'captains of the castle' became known as the Campbells of Dunstaffnage.
The castle was garrisoned throughout the 16th and 17th centuries, although it was burnt by the Marquis of Atholl in 1685 and subsequnetly repaired.
The castle was occupied by government forces duirng the Jacobite Risings in 1715 and 1746. Flora Macdonald -- the plucky woman who aided the escape of Bonnie Prince Charlie on his way to France--was imprisoned here briefly.
inside the courtyard, where the ruined hall would have stood
The gatehouse was occupied by the captains of the castle until 1810, leaving hte castle to be occupied by tenant renters until the 19th century.
THe castle was passed into state care in 1958. .
a decorated fireplace and cupboard on the second storey