Dunoon Castle

Dunoon Castle stands on a steep, cone-shaped hill in the town of Dunoon, Argyll and Bute. Little remains of the stone walls today, though Castle House, built in 1822, stands nearby. The site is protected as a scheduled monument. In the 14th century the castle served as a royal residence. By the 17th century it had fallen into ruin. The castle first appears in records from the 13th century. Robert the Steward, later King Robert II, recaptured it in 1333 with help from Colin Campbell of Lochow. James III later rewarded Campbell for repairs and made him hereditary keeper. Mary, Queen of Scots stayed at the castle in 1563 while visiting her half-sister. In 1646 the Campbells killed many from Clan Lamont in a local massacre. Visitors find the grassy mound where the castle once stood. Castle House, a two-storey building with a small garden, overlooks the ruins. The hilltop offers views across the Clyde to the hills beyond. The surrounding area is quiet, with paths leading up the slope. The site tells a story of power, conflict and slow decay over seven centuries.