Dunstaffnage Castle

Built around 1220, Dunstaffnage Castle is one of Scotland's oldest stone castles and was once a royal stronghold of the MacDougall Lords of Lorne. The castle is famous for allegedly housing the Stone of Destiny before its removal to Scone Palace. Constructed in the latest 13th-century military architecture, it features massive curtain walls and towers that demonstrate medieval Scotland's defensive capabilities. The castle changed hands between the MacDougalls and Campbells several times, reflecting the complex clan politics of medieval Argyll. Now in the care of Historic Scotland, Dunstaffnage represents the pinnacle of early Scottish castle architecture and royal power.