Explore Oban

Dunstaffnage Castle

Once the capital of Dalriada, the original Kingdom of the Scots, it was here that The Stone of Destiny was brought over from Ireland via Iona. In the mid-ninth century with the Norsemen attacking from the west, the seat of power was moved to Scone, near Perth.

The Stone was used at the coronations of subsequent Scottish kings until it was taken by Edward I to Westminster Abbey in 1296. The Stone was returned to Scotland on Saint Andrews' Day, 30 November 1996 and can now be seen in Edinburgh Castle.

Dunstaffnage Castle looks square with  round towers. It was seized by Robert the Bruce who appointed the chief of The MacArthurs as Captain of the Castle. Later, the Earls of Argyll appointed Campbells as captains to oversee Dunstaffnage on their behalf.

Bonne Prince Charlie's heroine, Flora MacDonald, was held prisoner here for a short time in 1746.

The castle is now in the care of Historic Scotland. Open all year: April-September 9.30am-5.30pm, October-March 9.30am-4.30pm. In winter, it is closed on Thursday and Friday.

There is a small exhibition next to the gift shop.

The castle is said to have a ghost in a green dress, apparently a "glaistig", a fairy woman, heralding events in the lives of the Campbell family.

Dunbeg by Oban, Argyll  PA37 1PZ

Tel: 01631-562465