What is recorded here

Dunstaffnage Castle is a partly ruined stone fortress on a sea-cliff above Loch Etive, built in the 1220s by Duncan MacDougall of Lorn and later held by Clan Campbell. Its name joins a Gaelic fort word with a Norse phrase for a headland of staves, and local tradition even places the Stone of Destiny there before Scone. The castle still stands at the edge of the water, with a separate gatehouse kept by the hereditary Captain, while the older ruin opens to visitors.

Scotland's National Record of the Historic Environment records Dunstaffnage Castle as Building(s) (period Unassigned), Enclosure (period Unassigned). The official map says its point is accurate as follows: NGR given to the nearest 10m. The record does not by itself mean that the public may enter the place.

Dunstaffnage Castle was built in the late 13th century by the MacDougall clan, Lords of Lorn, and later held by the Campbell family from the 15th century. It is important as a strategic stronghold in the struggle for control of the western Highlands and as a key site in Scottish medieval history.

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