Dunadd Fort, ancient capital of the Dalriada
At the southern end of KIlmartin Glen, Argyll & Bute
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Now nothing more than a rock projecting out of a flat landscape this was once the capital of the Dalriada,
the original heart of Scotland.
Kilmartin Glen to the north was occupied from thousands of years ago as the centre of life, industry and whatever faith the people followed, a mass of standing stones, carved rocks, tombs and certainly the busiest prehistoric landscape in what is now Scotland.
This site has a history going back well over 1,500 years but in the 6th century (500s) the area was invaded from the south and Ireland and this rock, with defences and homes built on and round it, became the ruling centre for many centuries.
The newcomers were referred to by Latin scholars of the time as the Scotti and that's said to be where the name Scotland comes from.
It's thought by some that the early kings of Scotland were crowned here, one by Columba himself. Perhaps a large pinch of salt would be advised? Columba was famous for rarely leaving Iona.
Either way it would have been an impressive place, with the higher sea levels in those times and the natural low-lying marsh around it would have stood proud in the landscape.
The rocks of the fort have many carvings and inscriptions and there are carved ogham scripts which date back many thousands of years.
Dunadd Fort is to the west of the A816 as it heads north from Ardrishaig/Crinan up into Kilmartin Glen. There's free access and parking but it's not ideal for the less abled. Plenty of information boards offering what little is known.
Kilmartin Glen to the north was occupied from thousands of years ago as the centre of life, industry and whatever faith the people followed, a mass of standing stones, carved rocks, tombs and certainly the busiest prehistoric landscape in what is now Scotland.
This site has a history going back well over 1,500 years but in the 6th century (500s) the area was invaded from the south and Ireland and this rock, with defences and homes built on and round it, became the ruling centre for many centuries.
The newcomers were referred to by Latin scholars of the time as the Scotti and that's said to be where the name Scotland comes from.
It's thought by some that the early kings of Scotland were crowned here, one by Columba himself. Perhaps a large pinch of salt would be advised? Columba was famous for rarely leaving Iona.
Either way it would have been an impressive place, with the higher sea levels in those times and the natural low-lying marsh around it would have stood proud in the landscape.
The rocks of the fort have many carvings and inscriptions and there are carved ogham scripts which date back many thousands of years.
Dunadd Fort is to the west of the A816 as it heads north from Ardrishaig/Crinan up into Kilmartin Glen. There's free access and parking but it's not ideal for the less abled. Plenty of information boards offering what little is known.
