Scheduled MonumentsScotlandDunollie Castle

Dunollie Castle

Scotland
HES SM293
Nation
Scotland
Boundary

Scheduled area

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Overview

History & significance

Dunollie Castle is a medieval stronghold located near Oban in Argyllshire, commanding a prominent rocky outcrop overlooking the Firth of Lorne. The castle comprises a 13th-century stone keep built upon an earlier fortified site, with substantial defensive walls and structures occupying the hilltop position. It served as a seat of the MacDougall clan, one of the principal Hebridean powers, and retained strategic and dynastic importance throughout the medieval period and beyond. The castle's dramatic coastal setting and substantial remains reflect its role as both a military fortification and aristocratic residence within the complex political landscape of the Scottish Highlands and Islands.

Dunollie Castle is a scheduled monument protected by Historic Environment Scotland under reference SM293. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Dunollie Castle?

Dunollie Castle is a medieval stronghold located near Oban in Argyllshire, commanding a prominent rocky outcrop overlooking the Firth of Lorne. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by Historic Environment Scotland under reference SM293.

Who is responsible for protecting Dunollie Castle?

Dunollie Castle is a Scheduled Ancient Monument, legally protected by Historic Environment Scotland — the body responsible for designating and safeguarding heritage sites in Scotland. The official designation reference is SM293.

What other scheduled monuments are near Dunollie Castle?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Dunach,dun 600m ENE of (6.8 km), Lerags,cairn 400m NW of Lerags House (6.8 km), Dunan Molach,dun 115m SE of Ardoran (7.4 km).

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