Doune Castle was built around 1400 by Robert Stewart, 1st Duke of Albany, Earl of Menteith and Fife. Younger brother of the weak and feeble Robert III, he was the effective ruler of the kingdom from 1388 until his death in 1420. He is known to history as 'Scotland's uncrowned king', and his seat at Doune was virtually a royal castle.
Only after Albany's death did Doune Castle finally gain the status its builder had desired ' it became a kingly residence. It never rivalled the great royal castles at Stirling and Edinburgh. Rather, it was used as a royal retreat from the burdens of state, a pleasant summer residence where the royal family could relax and hunt in the nearby forests in the Trossachs. Only when James VI left for London in 1603, to become James I of England also, did Doune's role as royal retreat effectively come to an end.
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Every effort is made to make sure that all the information is correct but we strongly recommend that you call Doune Castle before you set off on your day out to confirm opening times and admission prices.
Please also note that the position on Google maps for Doune Castle is a rough estimate using their postcode in the database and might be slightly out.
It may also be worth clicking the web link for Doune Castle to see if there are any special events coming up or currently on.
Doune Castle