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.

1 History
2 The Piper Of Duntrune
3 The castle today
4 See also
5 External links

[edit] History

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 Alasdair MacColla.

[edit] The Piper Of Duntrune

The ghost of a handless piper is said to haunt the castle. 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.

According to another story, The MacDonalds captured the castle. The MacDonald chieftain needed to return home for some reason and left a small garrison to defend the castle, with the chieftain's personal piper among them. While he was away, the castle was recaptured by the Campbells and the Campbells laid a trap for the MacDonalds.

As the MacDonalds sailed returning to the castle, they heard, as expected the piper playing a tune of welcome from the castle ramparts. As the MacDonald boat grew closer, the MacDonalds were able to discern the tune and recognised it as a warning. The small boat was turned away and the trap failed.

To punish the piper, his hands were cut off so that he may never play again. The piper died of his injuries.

During a set of renovations at the castle, workers unearthed a human skeleton- which was handless cut off at the wrists cleanly. Many believe that this skeleton is that of The Piper Of Duntrune. the skeleton was unearthed and buried near the castle. However, the burial was Episcopalian but as a MacDonald the Piper would most likely have been Catholic. This makes some believe that is one of the reasons why the Piper is still supposedly roaming the castle grounds; unable to rest because of his murder and burial.