When was Dunollie Castle built?
The castle is thought to have been built in the 12th century, although parts possibly date to the seventh. Somerled granted the lands to his son Dougall, who founded the MacDougalls, and the Stewarts of Appin.
What does Oban mean in Gaelic?
The Little Bay
1 – The Scottish Gaelic name for Oban is An t-Òban, which means The Little Bay.
How old is the MacDougall Clan?
The MacDougall chiefs share a common ancestry with the chiefs of Clan Donald in descent from Somerled of the 12th century (and thus further of the Viking-born Norse-Gael dynasty of House of Ivar).
When was Oban founded?
1794
The modern town of Oban grew around its famous distillery which was founded in 1794. However, evidence of its ancient origins are still apparent in, and surrounding, the town today. In many ways, the views are unchanged from the time when the famous MacDougall Clan ruled Scotland from their strongholds in Argyll.
What sea is in Oban?
The jewel in the starry crown of Argyll and Bute is the picturesque town of Oban, sitting on the dark blue waters of the Firth of Lorn overlooking the Islands of Mull, Kerrera and Lismore.
Is Oban hilly?
Just a short walk away from our George Street hotel is Oban’s Pulpit Hill. From the south end of the harbour, follow the signposted path uphill. This walk takes you through a hilly residential area before reaching the summit. When you reach the top, you will be spoilt by panoramic views of the west coast.
Is MacDougall Scottish or Irish?
Scottish
MacDougall or MacDougal (see also McDougall) is a common Scottish surname that can refer to a number of individuals, or localities or things named for individuals with this surname. The name is an Anglicisation of the Scottish Gaelic Mac Dhùgaill, meaning “Son of Dougal”.
Who was the first MacDougall?
In turn, Dougall’s son, Duncan, was the first to be styled MacDougall, and from him the clan claims descent. It was Duncan who founded Ardchattan Priory in 1230, where subsequent clan chiefs were buried up until the 1730s.
What is Oban Scotland known for?
Oban is often referred to as the seafood capital of Scotland and with the famous Oban Whiskey Distillery right at the heart of the town. Oban has earned its reputation as a holiday resort town because of its spectacular views of the port. The popular bay view shops along the bustling road run right through the town.
Can you swim in sea at Oban?
River Oude, Oban Clean and lively, the waters here make for a refreshing river swim. As with any wild river swimming, we advise you to take extra caution, especially as there are hidden rocks in some of the shallow parts here.
Is Oban Scotland in the Highlands?
Oban’s name in Gaelic means little bay. Oban is also the unofficial capital of the West Highlands being the main town in the area serving many smaller towns and town and villages. Oban is popular with holiday makers and is a great place to stay in Scotland.
What does the name Dougal mean?
Dougal is a Scottish masculine given name. It is an Anglicised form of the Scottish Gaelic Dubhghall, or Dùghall. These Gaelic names are composed of the elements: dubh, meaning “black”; and gall, meaning “impostor”.
Where did the Wallace clan come from?
Origins of the clan The Wallace family first came to Scotland with a Breton family in the 11th century. David I of Scotland was eager to extend the benefits of Norman influence and gave grants to the nobles of the south. Among them was Walter fitz Alan, who the Scottish king appointed his Steward in 1136.
Why is it called Oban?
Due to the strong influence of Scottish settlers had on early colonial southern New Zealand, Oban was named after Oban in Scotland (meaning “The Little Bay” in Scottish Gaelic). The town’s main industries are fishing and tourism and it serves as a base for sightseers, hikers, birdwatchers, divers and hunters.
What is Dunollie Castle in Scotland?
Dunollie Castle guards the approach to the harbour at Oban, and sites on top of a rocky crag. It was built on the site of an earlier fort of the kingdom of Dalriada dating to the 7th century AD and which was occupied for centuries.
When was Dunollie House built?
The MacDougalls built nearby Dunollie House [NM 853315] in 1746 or earlier, although there was already a house here dating from about 1600, and the old stronghold was abandoned. The newer house was remodelled and extended in 1835, and there is a museum in some of the older parts.
How many phases of Dunollie Castle are there?
Limited excavations were carried out on earthworks N and E of Dunollie Castle from August to September 1978, as part of a programme of research on Early Historic fortifications in Scotland, undertaken by the Department of Archaeology, University of Glasgow. Four main structural phases were detected.
Who ruled Dunollie in the 12th century?
The area around Dunollie subsequently became part of the semi-independent Kingdom of the Isles, ruled over by Somerled in the 12th century. On his death the MacDougalls became Lords of Lorne. Dougall, Somerled’s son, held most of Argyll and also the islands of Mull, Lismore, Jura, Tiree, Coll and many others in the 12th century.