Conservation work to Dunollie Castle is a key part of the work undertaken by the MacDougall of Dunollie Preservation Trust to care for Dunollie Castle & Grounds. combining archaeological research, structural repairs, and public engagement.
Efforts have included masonry consolidation, vegetation management, improved drainage, and careful monitoring of fragile areas of the ruin.
Alongside protecting the castle itself, work has also focused on improving access to the site and interpreting its history for visitors through exhibitions, guided experiences, and digital resources. This work has been funded by Historic Environment Scotland, the Clan MacDougall Society of North America, as well as many individual donations.
Our work aims to balance preservation with accessibility and sustainability. This includes new visitor infrastructure such as handrails and seating, as well as audio-visual interpretation — including a 45-minute film experience — designed to allow visitors with limited mobility to engage with the castle’s landscape, history, and significance even if they cannot reach the castle itself.
The Trust is now working to improve the safety of the castle cliff and is launching a project, funded by the Pilgrim Trust, to stabilise areas at risk of rockfall.
Additional work to remove vegetation and enhance the visitor experience will also be carried out in due course.