Passing Oban I was ready for another stop and nice stroll at Dunstaffnage Caste, an impressive but grim old ruinous walled castle right after Oban.
Built around 1220 by Duncan MacDougall, the son of Earl Somerled, known also as the ‘King of the Isles’, Dunstaffnage Castle was built at the height of the battle between Scotland and Norway for control of the Hebrides and was even once besieged by Robert the Bruce during the Wars of Independence. Its formidable stone curtain still has the power to inspire awe in visitors while Dunstaffnage Chapel, concealed amongst the trees, offers a stunning example of 13th century architecture. (Visit Scotland)
The former kitchen & fireplace
It´s one of Scotlands oldest castles and seen quite a lot of action during the centuries. But even before that there stronghold “was held by the kings of Dalriada in the 7th century, and one of the places where the Stone of Destiny was perhaps kept.” (The castle of Scotland)
The gatehouse inside the walls was added in the 18th century and the
residential compartments are believed to be where Flora MacDonald is believed to have been held prisoner have helping Bonnie Prince Charlie evade capture by the Redcoats following his disastrous defeat at Culloden in 1746. (Visit Scotland)
But she only stayed for a few days until she was moved into the Tower of London.
A little bit behind the castle in the woods there is a chapel also dating from the 13th century.
