On his death in 1164, Somerled, King of the Isles, divided is lands between his sons. Dunollie was passed to his eldest son Dougal. Dougall inherited Argyll on the mainland and a string of islands including Mull, Lismore, Jura, Tiree and Coll.
The clan MacDougall takes its name from Dougall. The Chiefs were titled the Lords of Lorn. For the next 100 years they were arguably the most powerful clan in the west of Scotland.
The MacDougalls built many castles over their lands. One of which is Dunollie castle. It was built on the mainland, sitting on a promontory point just north of Oban.
Dunollie Castle Viewed From Oban Bay
The site has actually been fortified since the 6th century. The current castle was built in the 13th century, but most of what we see originates from the 15th century.
Trail Marker Leading up to the Castle
Now, there are the remains of a strong but ruinous tower and other buildings that are overgrown.
Dunollie Castle Tower
Since the 13th century, Dunollie Castle has stood guard over the north Argyll coast. Built as a stronghold overlooking the seas which they controlled.
The photo below, shows the view south from the tower. On the very far left is mainland Scotland. Roughly in the center is the Isle of Kererra. There is a narrow stretch of water between Kererra and the mainland; the Sound of Kererra. To the right, in the distance, is the Isle of Mull. The water between Mull and Kererra is the Firth of Lorn.
View from Dunollie Castle Tower
Looking a little more north, Beyond the small islet is the Sound of Mull on the left. In the distance, is more of mainland Scotland.
View Looking North Towards The Sound of Mull
You can see the Kererra Marina over my left shoulder. This is where Distant Horizon will spend the winter… out of the water.
The Isle of Kererra Behind Me
Below is a photo of the entrance to the castle grounds. The white Celtic Cross marks the grave of one of the chiefs and his wife.
Entrance to the Castle Grounds
In the 17th Century, the Chief of the MacDougalls moved out of the castle and built this house just below the castle. It’s said that he removed the roof from the tower and used it in building the house along with stone from the castle.
Dunollie House
On Sunday afternoons, one of the pipers from the local school band comes to the castle and plays the bagpipes.
Piper at Dunollie Castle
Besides the old ruined castle and the house. The land surrounding the castle has marveluos gardens, hiking paths and even a mythical walk for the children.
Dunollie Wood Trail