Doune Castle

Doune Castle Details

Doune Castle, a C14/15 courtyard castle of the Royal Stuarts ruined by C18, made famous by Monty Python & Outlander.

  • Closest To: Doune, Dunblane, Stirling
  • Access: Chargeable Public Access
  • Grid Reference: NN728011

Doune Castle is an impressive courtyard castle from the 13th century that was upgraded with a great tower and domestic range from the 15th century. It is famous for appearing in Monty Python and the Holy Grail, and in Outlander, and is managed by Historic Environment Scotland.

The castle is built on a piece of high ground in a river junction, and was probably a foundation of the earls of Menteith. It was not their principal castle, and when the lands of the earldom were split, the new Stewart earls needed to upgrade Doune as the new comital seat. During the Wars of Independence, the castle was sacked by Bruce supporters, and most likely stood unused for decades. It was acquired in the end by Robert Stewart, Earl of Fife and of Menteith in right of his wife, and rebuilt to contemporary design, including the massive gate-tower-keep and adjacent hall block and kitchens that formed a palace. Fife was the son of Robert II, brother of Robert III, and uncle of James I – and ruled Scotland at times on behalf of all three. After the execution of his son Murdoch, Doune was annexed to the Crown, and it became a secondary property for the Earls of Moray. By the 16th century the castle was in disrepair, and although it was repaired c1580, by the mid 17th century it was in disrepair again. It served as a garrisonĀ  in 1689, 1715 and 1745, after which it was abandoned altogether.

Official Historic Scotland page

HES Canmore database entry

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