Dumbarton Castle

Dumbarton Castle and the Jacobites

The castle was a government garrison during the ’45 and one of the so-called ‘seven men of Moidart’, Aeneas MacDonald, who helped bring Bonnie Prince Charlie to Scotland, was imprisoned here after the tragic end to the battle of Culloden. Other notable prisoners included the Scottish Jacobite leader James Campbell.

The Governor’s House dates from around this time and is full of artefacts found in the castle. If you’re feeling energetic, climb the White Crag behind the castle for views across half of southern Scotland!

Early History of Dumbarton Castle

Dumbarton Castle has throughout its history been used as both a royal residence and a fortress. However the castle's strategic importance declined after Oliver Cromwell's death in 1658. 

But then due to threats posed by Jacobites and the French in the eighteenth century, General George Wade transformed the castle into a military fort for the government garrison. New structures and defences were built and the castle was garrisoned until World War II. 

George II believed that the site was important for defensive purposes, and so ordered the reinforcing of the castle and upgrading of the northern defensive circuit, followed by a major upgrade to the south and west defenses. The main entrance was moved from the north flank to the east end of the Rock, and various gun batteries were built. In the 1730s the three major cannon batteries received a critical upgrade as well. It was at this time that the Governor House was built within the complex.