Doune Castle

(Click on pictures for larger view)

Robert Macnab tenth laird, who married Anne Campbell sister of the Earl of Breadalbane. Their elder son John, held a commission in the Black Watch and was taken prisoner at the battle of Prestonpans.  It was then along with several others that he was confined to Doune Castle under the charge of Macgregor of Glengyle, where he remained till after the battle of Culloden. The majority of the clan took the side of the house of Stuart, and were led by Allister Macnab of Inshewan and Archibald Macnab of Acharne.

The court yard has a strange feeling to it, one can almost sense the spirits of the past inhabitants.

This the entrance to the castle, when you walk through this passage it feels like you are entering another world. When you suddenly walk out and don't hear the echoes of your footsteps any longer you're greeted with the majestic scene of the courtyard.

James walking down the tower spiral staircase from the the upper bedroom areas down to the great hall.

Dunstaffnage Castle

Built before 1275 by either Duncan or Ewen MacDougall, successive Lords of Lorn. When Robert the Bruce commenced his struggle for the crown, the baron of Macnab, with his clan, joined the Macdougalls of Lorn, and fought against Bruce at the battle of Dalree. Afterwards, when the cause of Bruce prevailed, the lands of the Macnabs were ravaged by his victorious troops, their homes burnt, and all their family writs destroyed. Dunstaffnage was captured by Robert the Bruce 1309. 

This is all that remains of what probably served as the principal private residence within the courtyard. The square type enclosure is the well.

Walking the battlements.

Finlarig Castle

Home of Black Duncan Campell,  he ruled the area around Killin with no mercy for any poor clansman, especially the Macnabs. The castle is in poor condition and if you go there, you should be careful. This castle is close to the village of Killin, a nice walk if you want take an afternoon to go exploring.

This is the front of the castle. Taking a picture of what the locals call the hanging tree,  it was told  that if you were a person of some importance that Black Duncan would hang you from the hanging tree! If you were just a common person you were sent to the beheading pit!

This is the beheading pit.  It is alleged that a few Macnabs have met their demise.

NOTE: Thanks to Gary McNabb of www.clangarra.com for the information and pictures.