Scottish Castles

Local information

Duart Castle, Hebrides & Isles

Location: Isle of Mull, PA64 6AP (map and directions)

Duart Castle, located on the Isle of Mull dates as far back as the 13th century. Perched atop a rocky promontory near the easternmost corner of the Isle, Duart Castle stood guard to protect one of Scotland’s most historically significant marine crossings.

Duart Castle © Rob Farrow

History of Duart Castle

Duart Castle was originally the sea of the Clan MacLean. The MacLeans had a bloody history during the later period at Duart Castle, starting in 1647 when the castle was attacked by the Argyll government troops of Clan Campbell. The Royalist troops of Clan MacLean fought them off in the end, but not before significant battle ensued. By the time Cromwell's task force of six ships anchored off the castle in the Sound of Mull, the MacLeans had already fled Duart Castle, and thus avoided bloodshed at that time. In 1678, Duart Castle was again invaded, this time by Archibald Campbell, 9th Earl of Argyll. This invasion was successful, and Sir John MacLean fled, withdrawing to Cairnbulg Castle in Aberdeenshire and then on to Kintail.

Sir John MacLean officially surrendered Duart Castle in 1691 to the Campbell clan. The Campbells kept a garrison there but then quickly returned to their own castle, taking as many valuables, furnishings, even doors and window sills with them as they could carry at the time.

The castle was sold several times throughout the 19th century and was purchased by Sir Fitzroy Donald MacLean, the 26th Chief of the Clan MacLean, who restored the castle to its former grandeur.

Today Duart Castle is visited by MacLeans from around the world looking to return to their roots. Duart has been restored to its full grandeur and is one of the most stunning castles in Scotland. Its rectangular wall encloses a courtyard, small vaulted cellars, dungeons, and stately rooms which can all be visited.

Duart Castle © Wendy Kirkwood

Duart Castle has also been used as a film and television location. The 1999 film ‘Entrapment’, starring Sean Connery and Catherine Zeta-Jones was filmed here, as was the 1971 Anthony Hopkins film ‘When Eight Bells Toll’. The castle was Buffy’s base in the first half of Season 8 of ‘Buffy the Vampire Slayer’.

Map and directions

Other castles in Hebrides & Isles