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Overlooking the River Teith at
Doune.
 This impressive
fortress of Doune Castle was built in the late 14thC by Robert Stewart, Duke
of Albany, who effectively ruled Scotland during the reign of Robert III
and while James I was imprisoned in England.
Upon Robert Stewart's death in 1420
his son Murdoch suceeded him as Regent. King James was freed in 1424 and
had Murdoch executed and his lands were confiscated. The castle became a
Royal hunting lodge.
In 1528 it was given back to the descendant
of Albany and from him to the earls of Moray who still own the property.
Mary Queen of Scots used the castle
and forces loyal to her held the castle until 1570. It was occupied by Montrose
in 1646 and by Williamite forces in 1689. During the Jacobite rebellion of
1715 government forces held Doune. However, in the 1745 it was taken by the
Jacobites of Bonnie Prince Charlie and used as a prison.
The castle featured in the cult comedy
movie Monty Python and the Holy Grail. |
