Castles of Scotland - Dunollie

Castles of Scotland - Dunollie Castle

Dunollie Castle is located in western Scotland, on the north shore of Oban Bay, near the town of Oban in the county of Argyll and Bute. The castle stands on a hill overlooking the bay and the surrounding hills.

Dunollie Castle was built in the 13th century as the seat of Clan MacDougall. In the 16th century the castle passed into the hands of the Campbells and remained with them until the mid-20th century. During its history the castle was repeatedly rebuilt and expanded. Its current appearance is the result of a reconstruction that took place in the 1870s.

During World War II the castle was used as an ammunition store. In 1958 the castle was sold to a private buyer and became a museum housing many artefacts related to the region's history. Today the castle is open to visitors and is a popular tourist attraction.

Dunollie was also the birthplace of some of the most important figures in Scottish history, including the founder of the University of Glasgow, George Binning, and Major-General Archibald Campbell, who played an important role in the American War of Independence.

Near the castle is Dunollie House, a residence that in the 1860s replaced the castle as the seat of Clan Campbell. Dunollie House is currently owned by a charity, and it contains a museum dedicated to the history of Clan Campbell and the Argyll region.