Dunollie Castle
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is the 13th Century Castle we came to Scotland to visit. We had been warned
by family members that it was in ruin, so our expectations were realisitic
at first glance. Dunollie Castle, seat of the lords of Lorn, once owned
a third of Scotland. Also home to the McDougalls dating back to the 12th
century, this fort has occupied this superb high position for centuries.
The first record is in 686 in the Annals of Ulster. Dunollie Castle consisted
of a tower-house of four storeys with one room on each floor, and a curtain
wall which enclosed a courtyard and outer buildings. Its ruins still stand
solid on top of an ancient sea cliff overlooking the northern entrance
to Oban Bay.
What made the visit worthwhile was our private tour of Dunollie House built in 1745 by Chief Alexander McDougall. The Georgian addition to the house turned out to be bigger than the orignal house. Stones and beams were taken from the Castle to make 3 foot thick walls. The interior of the house was presenced with an air of Celtic tales and legends. The walls were covered with beautiful oil paintings of previous Clan Chiefs, ships, coats of arms and tartan curtains. Sheets protected a tartan suit previously worn by the Chiefs and an antique wedding dress. |
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