Strathclyde - Castles
The ancestral seat of the Boyd family, Dean Castle dates to the 14th century and hosts an outstanding collection of historic weapons, armour and musical instruments. Free castle tours.
Dean Road, Kilmarnock, Strathclyde, Scotland, KA3 1XB
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Heritage Highlight: 14th-century fortified tower
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Perched on remote Black Point with spectacular sea views, Duart Castle dates to the 13th century, though it was razed in 1756 by the English. Rebuilt as a home in 1911, and a stronghold of the MacLeans for centuries.
Craignure, Isle of Mull, Isle of Mull, Strathclyde, Scotland, PA64 6AP
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Known as 'The Rock of the Clyde', this dramatically situated castle has a history going back over 1500 years. The fortress is set on and around a pair of volcanic peaks rising from the River Clyde at its confluence with the River Leven. Dumbarton Castle has the longest recorded history as a fortified site of any place in Scotland.
Castle Road, Dumbarton, Strathclyde, Scotland, G82 1JJ
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Dun Eibhinn is a hilltop fort founded in the early 11th century and later used by the Norse as a power base. In the 13th century it passed to Clan Macfie, who held it until the last clan chief died in 1623.
B8086, Scalasaig, Isle of Colonsay, Strathclyde, Scotland
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Heritage Highlight: 11th-century ruins
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Perched on a dramatic headland at the southern tip of Kintyre is Dunaverty Castle, begun in the 8th century. The castle ruins date mostly to the 13th century. Dunaverty was the scene of an infamous massacre in 1647 when the Royalist garrison was killed after laying down their arms, even though they had been promised a safe surrender.
Southend, Kintyre, Strathclyde, Scotland, PA28 6RX
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Heritage Highlight: Scene of an infamous 17th-century massacre
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Standing on a soaring motte high above the village of Dundonald is this large stone keep, built by Robert II around 1371 to mark his ascension to the throne of Scotland. Dundonald was Robert's favourite royal residence and it was here that he died in 1390.
Dundonald, Ayrshire and Arran, Strathclyde, Scotland, KA2 9HD
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A 13th-century castle surrounded by a high great curtain wall, guarding the mouth of Loch Etive. Dunstaffnage has a good claim to be the oldest castle in Scotland. Quietly tucked away in a wooded copse near the castle is a small 13th-century chapel.
Oban, Argyll and Bute, Strathclyde, Scotland, PA37 1PZ
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A 14th-century tower with later 15th and 16th-century defences. Dunure stands in a wonderful position atop a high cliff. Much of the interior is ruinous, but the outer walls are in good condition. Dunure is famous for the 'Roasting the Abbot' episode in 1570 when the Earl of Cassillis tortured the Commendator of Crossraguel Abbey here.
Dunure, Strathclyde, Scotland, KA7 4LX
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The ruins of a 16th-century castle stand on a rocky headland at the entrance to Lagavulin Bay. Dunyvaig was a traditional stronghold of the MacDonald Lords of the Isles and was used by Somerled to guard his fleet. It was besieged and captured multiple times before finally being pulled down by the last Campbell owner.
Lagavulin, Strathclyde, Scotland, PA42 7DX
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Heritage Highlight: Scene of dramatic sieges in the 16th-17th centuries
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Remains of a romantic late 18th-century Gothic mansion stand in a green country park. This was the setting for the famous Eglinton Tournament of 1839, and a bridge built for the tournament stands near the castle ruins.
Eglinton Country Park, Kilwinning, Strathclyde, Scotland, KA13 7QA
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Heritage Highlight: Site of the famous Eglinton Tournament in 1839
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