Dunstaffnage Castle and Chapel

The castle was built by Duncan MacDougall in around 1220 after he inherited lands from his Norwegian grandfather Somharle, or Somerled in English. This was a tricky time for the castle as Norway and Scotland battled for control over the Hebrides, however, the Scots won control in 1266. The castle was built using local sandstone and sits on a rocky outcrop made from pebbles and gravel which date back over 400 million years. Around 1247, Ewan MacDougall added the corner towers to his fathers castle and all of the walls were covered with a protective lime render called harling, strengthening the castle.

The castle saw some action in the 14th century and in 1308 during the Wars of Independence, Robert the Bruce captured Dunstaffnage after he defeated the MacDougalls at the Pass of Brander. The castle passed to The Crown, and rather than destroying it, he realised its strategic importance in protecting the countryside and seaways.

Over the following years there was a tug of war over the castle, but in 1470, James III granted the castle to Clan Campbell who still own the castle to this day. The castle suffered further attacks over the centuries during the Civil War and the Jacobite Risings and by 1725 the castle was in a state of decay. Attempts were made to repair it to it's former glory, however, it passed to state care in 1958.

When we arrived, the first building to greet us was the ruined chapel in the castle grounds. The chapel was built at the same time as the castle in the 1200s and was used privately by the MacDougall (or Dughallach) family. It is still in fairly good condition today given its age and at the time would have been an impressive structure reflecting the wealth and ambition of the family.

There were two main rooms of the chapel which were the chancel where the family worshipped and the nave, which was used by local people. It would have been highly decorative when it was first built and the doorways elaborately carved, but only small fragments remain now. The chapel had no burial rights and the family were likely buried at the Cathedral of St Moulag on the isle of Lismore (now Lismore Parish Church).

The castle itself seems surprisingly small, and it doesn't take too long to have a look around. You can still see the Curtain Wall which reaches around 10 metres high and walk along the parapet walk which gives you fab views. You can also have a wander inside the gatehouse which is in fantastic condition given it was built in the 16th century and take a look inside the walls where you can check out an impressively ornate well and the foundations of the internal ranges.

Dunstaffnage is one of Scotland's oldest castles and is now managed by Historic Environment Scotland. There is a fee to enter the castle and you can find out more about prices and opening times over on their website: Historic Environment Scotland. When we visited it was a scorching hot day, but there was thankfully a shop selling drinks, ice cream and snacks on site and loos nearby too.