Dunstaffnage Castle: Located in Argyllshire about 3 miles from Oban, you will find the ruins of Dunstaffnage Castle. Surrounded by the sea on three sides, the castle was built on a rock promontory. The ruins date back to the 13th century and from the sight you can see that this was a quadrangular shaped castle. The walls measure 60 feet high and are 10 feet thick causing one to wonder how this feat of construction was accomplished in the early days. From the castle walls you have a commanding view of surrounding countryside.
The Kings of Dalraida lived in this area in the 7th century and Dunstaffnage Castle was one of the locations where the Stone of Destiny was once kept. The castle is said to be haunted by a lady wearing a green dress. Her appearance seems to bring about events in the Campbell family - both good and bad. Locals say that she is a fairy woman.
Dunstaffnage Castle played an important role throughout the history of Scotland. Robert the Bruce captured it in 1308 and it was garrisoned by the Jacobites from 1715 to 1745. It was the temporary prison of Flora MacDonald in 1746. After the Jacobite Rebellion, it fell into disrepair. Although the Duke of Argyll is the hereditary keeper of the castle, it is owned by the crown. The graves of the Campbells are located in the chapel, which is in a far worse state than the major portion of the castle.
Dunstaffnage Castle is open all year long. From April to October, it is open daily from 9:30 to 6:30, but during the rest of the year, it closes at 4:30. The gatehouse is one part of the castle that is not open to the public and has been restored. It is the quarters used by the Captain of Dunstaffnage when he is in residence for the required three nights a year. A look through the windows shows that the fireplaces, walls and ceilings are still intact.
The grounds of Dunstaffnage Castle are perfect for walking or picnicking. They are flat, which also makes them wheelchair accessible. However, the castle ruins are not suitable for wheelchair access. This castle is one of the stops you can take if you take one of the many castle tours that are available throughout Scotland. To get to this destination you simply take the A85 and the castle is near Dunbeg, only 5 km north of Oban.