Duntrune Castle

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Location of Duntrune Castle at NR793955

Duntrune Castle from the east (photo by Patrick Mackie, June 2006)

Duntrune Castle is located across Loch Crinan from the village of Crinan, Argyll, Scotland. It is thought to be the oldest continuously occupied castle in Scotland.

Originally built by the McDougall clan in the twelfth century (along with several other castle in the area, including the McDougall stronghold of Dunollie Castle near Oban) Duntrune Castle was eventually taken by the Campbell clan. Parts of the castle date from the 12th century, although the majority is from the 16th century. In 1644, the castle was besieged by the rival MacDonalds, under Collkitto McDonald. According to one story, the MacDonald piper was sent into the castle as a spy, but was found out. He was imprisoned, but played his pipes to warn the MacDonalds that their 'surprise' attack was now expected. Collkitto retreated, and the piper's hands were cut off by the Campbells. The ghost of a handless piper is said to haunt the castle.

The castle is now owned by Robin Neill Malcolm, current clan chief of the Clan Malcolm, whose family bought Duntrune in 1792.