Doune

The village of Doune lies by the River Teith in southern Perthshire.

The main attraction is Doune Castle, an impressive fortress overlooking the River Teith, dates from the 14thC. This impressive fortress was built in the late 14thC by Robert Stewart, Duke of Albany, who effectively ruled Scotland during the reign of Robert III and while James I was imprisoned in England.

Upon Robert Stewart's death in 1420 his son Murdoch suceeded him as Regent. King James was freed in 1424 and had Murdoch executed and his lands were confiscated. The castle became a Royal hunting lodge.

In 1528 it was given back to the descendant of Albany and from him to the earls of Moray who still own the property.

Mary Queen of Scots used the castle and forces loyal to her held the castle until 1570. It was occupied by Montrose in 1646 and by Williamite forces in 1689. During the Jacobite rebellion of 1715 government forces held Doune. However, in the 1745 it was taken by the Jacobites of Bonnie Prince Charlie and used as a prison.

The castle featured in the cult comedy movie Monty Python and the Holy Grail.

The bridge over the Teith at Doune was built by Robert Spittal. He arrived at the ferry with no money and was refused passage. In order to put the ferryman out of a job he had the bridge built in 1535. In 1715 the bridge was partly destroyed by the Earl of Mar to delay goverment troops moving north from Stirling.

Doune was once famous for the manufacture of Scottish pistols, the trade having been introduced in by Robert Caddell in 1645. In the 19thC the Buchanan brothers opened the Deanston cotton mill which employed 1000 spinners and weavers. Both industries have now gone.