Dunstaffnage

Dunstaffnage is a coastal village on the Firth of Lorn in Argyll and Bute, Scotland. It lies just to the north-west of Oban and is part of the area around the town, connected by local roads and services that serve the Oban community.

The central feature of the village is Dunstaffnage Castle, a medieval fortress perched on a rocky promontory overlooking Dunstaffnage Bay. Its origins are in the 13th century, with substantial additions in the 14th and 15th centuries. For centuries the castle served as a stronghold for the Lords of Lorn and was later controlled by the Campbell family. By the early modern period it had fallen into ruin, and today the remaining structures are preserved as a historic monument.

The castle is under the care of Historic Environment Scotland and is maintained as a heritage site open to visitors when conditions allow. The nearby Dunstaffnage Marina provides facilities for private boats and visiting yachts, reflecting Oban’s role as a regional maritime centre. The surrounding area is valued for its coastal scenery and links to the broader history of the Morvern and Lorn districts, making it a destination for walkers and those interested in Scottish history.

Administratively, Dunstaffnage lies within the Argyll and Bute council area. The village is part of the wider Oban region, where maritime activity, tourism, and rural landscapes intersect.