Scheduled MonumentsScotlandDunoon Castle

Dunoon Castle

Scotland
HES SM5450
Nation
Scotland
Boundary

Scheduled area

© Mapbox · © OpenStreetMap contributors · Boundary data © Historic Environment Scotland

Overview

History & significance

Dunoon Castle is a medieval fortress located on the Cowal Peninsula in Argyllshire, Scotland, strategically positioned overlooking the Firth of Clyde. The castle dates primarily from the 13th century, though the site may have had earlier fortifications, and played a significant role in the territorial disputes between Scottish and English forces during the medieval period. The surviving remains consist of a substantial stone keep and curtain walls, testament to its importance as a defensive stronghold. The castle remained in use into the early modern period before gradual decline, and today the ruins represent an important example of medieval military architecture in Argyll.

Dunoon Castle is a scheduled monument protected by Historic Environment Scotland under reference SM5450. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Dunoon Castle?

Dunoon Castle is a medieval fortress located on the Cowal Peninsula in Argyllshire, Scotland, strategically positioned overlooking the Firth of Clyde. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by Historic Environment Scotland under reference SM5450.

Who is responsible for protecting Dunoon Castle?

Dunoon 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 SM5450.

What other scheduled monuments are near Dunoon Castle?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Cloch Lighthouse, anti-submarine tethering points 15m N and 10m SW of (2.8 km), Cloch Lighthouse, coast battery 295m SSE of (3 km), Ardhallow Battery and Defences (3.5 km).

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