Doune Castle ***

Region: Loch Lomond, Stirling & The Trossachs

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Description:

Doune Castle was built at the end of the 14^th century for Robert Stewart, the first Duke of Albany. Robert Stewart was also Earl of Menteith and Fife and as the third son of King Robert II and younger brother of Robert III, he became effective ruler of Scotland from 1388 until his death in 1420. In 1420 governorship of the kingdom passed to Murdoch, Robert Stewart's son. However, his was to be a short reign. In 1424, James I returned from exile and had Murdoch beheaded as a usurper. Doune Castle then became a royal retreat and hunting lodge and was used by successive monarchs for more than a century. In 1570, ownership passed to Sir James Stewart, the first Lord Doune.