Dunadd Hillfort
South of Oban rising as a rocky outcrop in Moine Mhor (or Great Moss), one of the most extensive areas of raised bog in Scotland, Dunadd is one of the most important archaeological sites in Scotland and has had an important role in forging our nation.
At 175 feet tall it takes only a little imagination to picture the strategic strength of the site. Little remains of the original 4 lines of wall and what does is often shrouded by thick bracken, but even following the path to the top you are forced to zig zag your way up clambering over the rocks as you go, each time with a ridge of stone above you. Finally two gaps form easily defended gateways before the summit is reached. Couple this with the fact it sits surrounded by marshlands, with 360' views, a river at its foot and a good well on its upper terrace and you could hardly ask for a better natural fortification.
It was not until the turn of the 6th century that Dunadd really came to prominence. There had always been a great deal of contact between Ireland and Argyll as they are only 11 miles between them and the sea was treated as a highway rather than a barrier until fairly recent times, but around 500 there began a wave of far more concerted settlement.
Spreading out from modern day Antrim came the Gaelic speaking tribes from the Kingdom of Dal Riada. These were the Scotti, and from them comes the very name of Scotland.
Dunadd became the capital of a kingdom spread across the north of Ireland and increasingly encroaching on the territory of the Picts. As well as an excellent fortification and seat of kings it was also a centre of metalworking, producing fine jewellery and brooches and with trade links throughout the British Isles and Europe. There is some speculation that this may be where the Hunterston Brooch was made, one of the finest pieces of work from this period anywhere.
Perhaps the best known and most enigmatic features of the fort are the fine rock carvings to be found just below the summit. What can be clearly seen is a rock cut bowl, which still holds water today, an incised boar, a footprint (size 7?), and a few lines of Ogham script (an ancient alphabet).
It has long been held that it was this very spot that saw the inauguration of the early kings. The details of the ceremonies are lost to us now, but there is a tradition of carved footprints throughout Scotland and Ireland used either to install a new king or for lesser kings and chieftains to swear their loyalty. In times when the fate of a land was believed to be inextricably linked to the fate of its king, who could ask for a better symbol than planting your foot into the living bedrock at the summit of your greatest stronghold, thus making a very physical connection. Could this also be a possible oath to follow in the footsteps of your ancestors (quite literally) and continue the proud tradition of your people.
Even today few can resist the temptation to plant their foot and try their luck.
It was from here that the Scots were to eventually overwhelm the neighbouring Picts, really reaching a point of no return when Kenneth MacAlpin was declared king of both Scots and Picts in 843AD. This he achieved through a combination of birthright and (alleged) treachery, all under increasing pressure from the marauding Vikings.
At Dunadd:
- We enjoy walks exploring the old citadel
- Hear the History and legends which led to the birth of our nation
Tours that visit Dunadd include:
Other places that may be interest:
