The Sophy and White: The Dunollie Collections Unboxed Project has officially been underway for a full year. We are thrilled to share the progress and developments from the past few months!
We have been planning and implementing the next phase of the project, Wear it or Sleep in it. This exciting chapter focuses on deepening our engagement with Scottish textile heritage and fostering creativity in the community.
Wear it or Sleep in it
The first aim of Wear it or Sleep in it was to create a textile group where people could come together to learn new skills and be part of a supportive, creative community. This has been a great success, with Stitch and Spin running since October and welcoming many new faces to Dunollie. The project also seeks to strengthen our textile collections team and deepen our understanding of Dunollie’s collection of blankets, plaids, shawls, and sashes while exploring the history, origins, and production methods of Scottish textiles. This phase of the project will culminate in a pop-up exhibition showcasing the group’s newly acquired skills and insights gained from the collections and research. To document and celebrate this journey, we will also produce a behind-the-scenes documentary capturing the learning, collaboration, and creativity involved, which we can share internationally.
Stitch and Spin
Our textile arts group, Stitch and Spin, has flourished into a vibrant and welcoming community! We meet every Wednesday at Dunollie from 2pm to 4pm on the Terrace, and everyone is welcome, regardless of age or skill level. Whether you want to learn a new craft, share your expertise, or simply enjoy some friendly company over tea, coffee, and a scone, we’d love to have you join us.
Exciting News
We’re thrilled to share that we’ve been collaborating with videographer Beth Chalmers and have just completed the first filming sessions for our Stitch and Spin documentary! This film will show the group’s journey, highlighting their progress in learning new skills and showcasing the lovely community that has been built.
Collections Update
Our dedicated volunteers have accomplished so much over the past year. The Hope MacDougall Collection has been thoroughly reviewed, audited, and recorded. Our collections volunteers are more than confident in in handling and packing objects, as well as identifying items requiring special care and treatment.
For the first time, work has begun on reviewing the textile collection at Dunollie. This is an exciting milestone, and we’ve already uncovered some fascinating treasures, including this gorgeous, beaded dinner jacket and embellished bolero.
If you’re passionate about history, textiles, or museum work, we are always looking for collections volunteers to join our team. If you’re interested, please email Anna at anna@dunollie.org to learn more.
Looking Ahead
The coming months promise even more progress and creativity at Dunollie. Here’s what’s next:
Completing the Stitch and Spin documentary filming.
Planning our pop-up exhibition for the spring.
Stitch & Spin will begin to work on a new retail product for the Drapers Shop.
Continuing our vital work within the collections department.
We’re incredibly grateful for the hard work of our volunteers and the enthusiasm of everyone involved. Here’s to another year of discovery, learning, and community at Dunollie!
This event was made possible thanks to the generosity of National Lottery Players through funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund. If you have any questions or wish to get involved in Sophy & White: The Dunollie Collections Unboxed Project, please email anna@dunollie.org
Scottish Women Collectors: a Sharing Stories Event, was inspired by one of the two collections that we care for at Dunollie Museum, Castle and Grounds: The Social History Collection of Miss Hope MacDougall. Miss Hope – who was daughter, sister, and finally aunt to the last three successive Chiefs of the Clan MacDougall – dedicated her life to her passion, which was documenting the social history of Scotland’s Highlands and Islands. She devoted years to amassing her collection, along with a handwritten inventory, extensive archival research, and her own photography, corresponding with her interests. When Hope moved to nearby Ganavan house in 1966, when she was 53 years old, she transformed her home into a museum where she proudly displayed her collections and welcomed in guests from far and wide. Hope’s collections dominated her home, as they dominated her mind and heart, and were her life’s work.
Our event aimed to share stories not just about Hope and her collections, but about other women like her – collectors, historians, archivists and archaeologists. Women have historically been sidelined in these sectors as they have in most others, with their collecting not taken seriously, if it was considered at all. Hope was inspired by women – friends, mentors – and in turn inspired others, and we heard about these connections from our wonderful speakers on the day, before some of the industries Hope’s collection documented – textile production and basket weaving – were brought to life by our demonstrators.
Dr. Rhona Ramsay opened the day with her presentation, I.F. Grant and Other Women Collectors – Influence and Connections, highlighting the pioneering role of Isabel Frances Grant (1887–1983) in Scottish folk collecting. Grant, a key figure in preserving folk material culture from northern Scotland, inspired other women to contribute to this emerging field throughout the early to mid-20th century. Dr. Ramsay’s talk provided an overview of Grant’s efforts to establish a Scottish folk museum, her publications, and the influence she had on collectors like Hope MacDougall, Jean Lady Maitland, Greta Fairweather Michie, and Barbara Fairweather. The presentation also explored the post-war freedoms and new technologies that empowered these women to break new ground in collecting.
Jenny MacLeod, an AHRC/ SGSAH-funded PhD researcher at the University of Glasgow, presented The Print Collection of Catherine Spence Howden (1875-1925): A Snapshot of the Etching Revival. Jenny’s research focuses on Scottish women etchers during the Etching Revival (1880-1940). She explored Catherine Spence Howden’s print collection, held by Glasgow Museums, which was considered a “highly valuable gift” after her death in 1925. This bequest, the largest of its time, surpassed those of notable male collectors, including William Strang. Today, it is part of Glasgow Museum’s substantial collection of Scottish prints, spanning 1750 to 1960. Jenny highlighted how Howden’s decision to collect prints, during an era when women were typically encouraged to gather more “delicate” objects, can be seen as an act of resistance. She also examined the significance of Howden’s collection in the context of the Etching Revival and the broader British print market, considering why she was drawn to etchings and what these works meant to her.
Oliver Taylor, Assistant Curator of Modern and Contemporary Scottish History at National Museums Scotland, presented ‘Ivy Jardine, Curator-come-housekeeper’: Local Historian and Curator with Global Ambitions. Taylor highlighted the remarkable work of Ivy Jardine, a former chairperson of the Fife Family History Society, curator of two museums, private archivist for the Scottish Records Association, author, and prolific donor to museum collections. Despite her prominence in the 1980s, Jardine’s contributions, especially her efforts to celebrate Lower Largo’s history and promote the life of Alexander Selkirk (the inspiration for Robinson Crusoe), are now largely forgotten. Jardine’s home, Cardy House, was described in 1984 by The Scotsman as a late-19th century time capsule, thanks to her husband’s family’s habit of never discarding anything. Jardine recognized the importance of this historical trove, appointing herself as its curator. She also opened a museum in Selkirk’s birthplace to further celebrate his legacy. Taylor’s paper examined Jardine’s global outreach efforts to promote her collections and explored why her legacy has faded. It also assessed the significance of her collection—over 3,000 items, including an invaluable glass plate negative collection—now housed at National Museums Scotland.
Catherine Gillies, in a change from the layout of the other speakers, presented the audience with questions around why women’s collections tend to differ from more traditional, curated museum collections. Catherine has experience in working with a wide range of museum collections, and she acknowledged that women’s collections historically focused on folk collecting and traditional, domestic ways of life, which was not “how things were done”. Was it because these women – who tended to be affluent and unmarried – had time that others did not to have such a small focus, travelling the length and breadth of Scotland on their journeys? Was it because they were already so far outside of society’s norms and rules that they could also break the rules of museum collecting, as it were? Catherine has hinted that these questions may form the basis for her next research project, so watch this space.
Professor Kate Hill, a historian at the University of Lincoln, presented ‘One of the ladies suggested it would be nice to have a museum’: Glencoe Folk Museum, Barbara Fairweather, and the DIY Ethos in the 1960s. Hill explored how Scottish women collectors of folk and social history blurred the lines between personal and professional curation. During the 20th century, the museum world was becoming more professionalized, with men increasingly seen as the leaders of folk and social history museums, which led to the marginalization of women like I.F. Grant, whose work was often dismissed as amateur. Despite this, the 1960s and 70s saw a surge in DIY curatorship, especially in the rise of small, independent local history museums. Glencoe Folk Museum is a prime example, run with non-professional governance and strong ties to women’s networks. Barbara Fairweather, the museum’s secretary and later curator, embodied this DIY spirit, operating outside formal curatorial structures and qualifications. Hill argued that the museum’s success was due to, not despite, its grassroots, gendered approach. Professor Hill’s research focuses on non-national museums and the history of women’s involvement in the sector, with an emphasis on folk and social history museums in the 20th century and the professionalization of museum workers, see Making Museum Professionals, 1850-the present – An AHRC research network (lincoln.ac.uk).
Unfortunately, Professor Hill was unable to attend the event in person. However, she provided us with an outstanding pre-recorded presentation, which was well-received. In her absence, we were fortunate to be joined by Parris and Catriona, who were able to represent both the Glencoe Folk Museum and Barbara Fairweather.
Dr. Nyree Finlay, a senior lecturer in Archaeology at the University of Glasgow, presented Collection, Care, and Archaeological Practice: The Potential of New Narratives from Excavating the Archives. Her paper highlighted the contributions of pioneering women like Marion Campbell, Dorothy Marshall, and Betty Rennie, who made significant strides in local archaeological heritage through surveys, excavations, and community service. Despite their achievements, their work has not received the widespread recognition it deserves.
Dr. Finlay emphasized the importance of re-evaluating these women’s contributions by examining their archive and collection legacies. She used case studies from figures such as Fiona Gorman on Arran to illustrate how careful attention to archival practices—like packaging, storage, and labelling—can reveal insights into their social networks and the broader context of their work. Her research takes a feminist perspective on curation and collection care, aiming to offer alternative views on the roles of women in archaeology and to reframe assemblage studies from a less conventional standpoint.
Dr. Ailsa Hutton, Curator of Modern and Rural History at National Museums Scotland, presented Birds, Baskets, and the SWRI: The Collecting Activity of Dr. Evelyn Baxter and Miss Leonora Rintoul. The paper explored the lives and diverse interests these two prominent ornithologists from Largo, Fife, known for their extensive studies on bird migration across Scotland. Their notable work, The Birds of Scotland (1953), is a testament to their contributions to ornithology. Beyond their ornithological achievements, Baxter and Rintoul had a keen interest in collecting, particularly baskets from across Scotland. In 1961, after their deaths, a collection of these baskets was donated to National Museums Scotland, significantly enriching the museum’s rural and craft collections. The paper examined how their basket collection, gathered during their ornithological fieldwork and influenced by Evelyn’s involvement with the Scottish Women’s Rural Institute, reflects their broader interests and collecting practices. Dr. Hutton’s research delved into how Baxter and Rintoul’s passions for ornithology, travel, and traditional Scottish crafts intersected, offering a comprehensive view of their collecting methods and objectives.
Professor Hugh Cheape, representing Sabhal Mòr Ostaig and the University of the Highlands and Islands, presented ‘A Highland Folk Museum for Highland People’: I.F. Grant and the Founding of the Highland Folk Museum. Professor Cheape previously worked at National Museums Scotland until 2007, now leads the master’s program in material culture at SMO, which he established with the support of Dr. Dòmhnall Uilleam Stiùbhart. His paper focused on Dr. I.F. Grant (1887-1983), who established the Highland Folk Museum, Am Fasgadh, in Iona in 1935. Under her visionary leadership, the museum evolved into the Highland Folk Museum in Newtonmore, which earned the Scottish ‘Museum of the Year’ award in 2001. Dr. Grant’s ambition was inspired by her visits to folk museums in Sweden, Norway, Denmark, London, and the Netherlands. Her own scholarly work, such as Everyday Life on an Old Highland Farm (1924), provided an innovative look at Highland life and material culture, influencing her approach to museum creation, and highlights her pioneering contributions and the profound impact of her folk museum on Highland culture and history. Professor Cheape concluded his presentation recommending Singled Out, by Virginia Nicholson.
Deborah Gray, a textile artist and tutor from Oban, gave a captivating natural dyeing demonstration. Specializing in natural dyeing and botanical printing, Deborah blends hand spinning, knitting, and stitching to create art that reflects themes of Place and Time, drawing inspiration from the landscape. Since 2021, she’s been the Lead Practitioner for The Rockfield Centre’s Eco Creative Cluster dye garden project, where she cultivates dye plants. With over 40 years of teaching experience, she offers workshops locally and internationally. Fresh from her fourth residency at the Icelandic Textile Centre, Deborah also founded Artspace Oban in 2023, providing studios for artists. She’s a regular participant in Art Map Argyll’s Open Studios.
Jane Allen presented a basket weaving demonstration. Initially trained in Graphic Design, Jane discovered basketry in 1998 and has since focused on creating functional, traditional baskets for home and garden using willow grown on her smallholding near Achnamara. Lately, she’s been experimenting with new materials like willow bark, producing unique yet still practical pieces. Growing willow supports biodiversity, providing habitats for insects and birds. Basketry, using natural materials harvested just steps away from the workshop, is one of the most sustainable, low-impact crafts. Jane is proud to help preserve this ancient art form.
Helen Cherry, a volunteer at Dunollie, demonstrated wool spinning using a spinning wheel from the Hope MacDougall Collection. Born in Ayrshire, Helen learned knitting from her mother’s side of the family and crocheting from her grandmother. After moving to Uist, she found a group of spinning enthusiasts who nurtured her interest, lending her a wheel to practice on. Helen quickly fell in love with the craft, finding it meditative and rewarding as she transforms raw fleece into beautifully crocheted or knitted garments.
Thank you again to all our speakers, demonstrators, attendees, and our photographer, Lauren Fair, for making this event a success. Your contributions and participation were invaluable and the feedback we’ve received has been overwhelmingly positive. We are already excited to be planning the next steps of the Sophy & White project, which will have a focus on the vast textile collection housed here at Dunollie.
This event was made possible thanks to the generosity of National Lottery Players through funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, as well as, the Oban Common Good Fund. If you have any questions or wish to get involved in Sophy & White: The Dunollie Collections Unboxed Project, please email anna@dunollie.org
As we know many people might not be able to travel to Oban this year and see our new temporary exhibition – Beyond the Stones: Magic, Medicine and the MacDougalls, members of our staff and volunteer team have agreed to share some of their research into a series of blog posts. This one was written by Shannen Provan-Sloan, our Collections Development Officer.
Alexander James MacDougall, 29th Chief, graduated from Edinburgh University in 1894 with a Bachelor of Medicine, and later with a Master of Surgery. The eldest son of a doctor, Alexander spent the early years of his medical career in India, continuing his father Henry’s research into malaria. His work in this area was incredibly successful, eventually resulting in a species of mosquito – the aedes MacDougalli – being named after him. His medical years did not end there, however.
In 1914 at the outbreak of World War One, Alexander joined the Royal Army Medical Corps and was posted quickly to France, a long way from his home in Dunollie, where he left his wife Colina and three daughters – Coline, Jean and baby Hope who would have been not even 1 at the time. Alexander joined the British Expeditionary Force – the six divisions the British Army initially sent to the Western Front during World War One. By 1915, Alexander had been promoted to the command of the 11th Field Ambulance, 4th Division, which fought in the Second Battle of Ypres in the same year. Field Ambulances were mobile front line medical units, which were responsible for establishing and operating a number of points along the casualty evacuation chain. It is likely that Alexander would have been in command of around 65 men in the ‘A’ section of the Field Ambulance, though a full strength Field Ambulance in all of its sections comprised 10 officers and up to 224 men, providing life saving emergency care on the front lines.
Alexander later mobilised the 35th ambulance casualty clearing station, which he commanded in Egypt, France and Palestine. Casualty clearing stations were another part of the casualty evacuation chain, and would be located further back from the front line than Aid Posts or Field Ambulances. The job of Casualty Clearing Stations was to treat the wounded either sufficiently enough that they could return to duty or, more likely, to sustain them until they could be evacuated to a Base Hospital.
Following almost two years with the casualty clearing station, Alexander was appointed Assistant Director of Medical Services of the 52nd Division, which came with an increase in rank to temporary Colonel.
In June 1922, Alexander was appointed by the King to be a Companion of the Distinguished Order of Saint Michael and Saint George, which is a British order of Chivalry named in honour of two military saints. At this time, Alexander James had achieved the rank of Lieutenant-Colonel and had obviously been recognised for his contributions to front-line care for troops.
Whilst Alexander was caring for the injured, Colina was at Dunollie, raising money for the troops and organising supplies. She published requests in the Oban Times for the provision of knitted mufflers and mittens for troops who were stationed in freezing conditions. Colina also advertised the national egg drive programme which aimed to provide eggs to soldiers recovering in Scottish hospitals and send them across to France. Due to their high nutritional value, eggs were seen as a priority for a wounded soldier’s diet during recovery. Colina put Dunollie forward as a deposit location for local eggs, advertising this both through the Oban Times and on posters throughout the town of Oban.
Whilst pushing the egg drive, knitting clothing and advertising for mittens and mufflers, Colina was also using her own home here at Dunollie as a way to fundraise for injured troops or those on the front line. In 1917, Dunollie hosted a garden party, seeking to use the funds to improve comfort for troops. The day was a resounding success, raising £228 to be sent overseas. Colina also became the chairperson of the Oban Voluntary Committee and the Vice President of the Lorn Division of the British Red Cross Society, which ran the Dungallan Auxiliary Hospital in Oban. If you are interested in this topic, you might like one of our previous blog posts: Oban War Efforts during World War 1 (dunollie.org)
This incredible couple provided both direct and indirect care to countless wounded troops throughout the First World War, with Alexander James going on to serve in the Home Guard as a welfare officer in WWII. Between them, they tended to the wounded, evacuated them to safe hospitals, kept them warm, fed them and sent money to their aid. Not only did Alexander commit his medical skills to caring for injured soldiers, but Colina, with three girls to raise, devoted her time to fundraising, knitting, volunteering, and advertising for ways to care for the men overseas. You can find out more about Alexander James and Colina in our temporary exhibition Beyond the Stones: Magic, Medicine and the MacDougalls!
The Sophy and White: The Dunollie Collections Unboxed Project is now fully underway. In January we started the recruitment process to create a team of volunteers who would contribute to the project by reviewing, auditing and recording the collections in the Dunollie storerooms. Through advertising and hosting a volunteer open day, we have managed to form a team of 15 fantastic volunteers!
In early April, we organized a guided tour of the grounds for volunteers, this helped to provide everyone with some background history, helping to contextualize the project and collections. We organized training sessions for volunteers on object handling and packing. Delivered by Catriona, the curator at Glencoe’s Folk Museum, these sessions taught our volunteers valuable skills which are needed to work with our collections. This included handling objects, identifying different materials and labelling items. Following this, Trustee Jayne MulQueen delivered training sessions on textile handling. This gave our volunteers an in-depth understanding of working with our vast textile collection. Jayne highlighted the importance of materials sensitivity, preservation, proper storage and display techniques.
We are now eight months into the project and our volunteers are making great progress. We are incredibly grateful as in this time, we have uncovered a huge number of items which had been accumulated by Hope MacDougall and the Clan over the years. Most of Hope’s collection is local, holding many items of great significance to Oban and Dunollie. This 1902 Oban High School Dux Medal is still in its original presentation box:
Hope’s collection also contains objects from a range of countries and periods. In their first week volunteering, Helen and Fiona uncovered a ceramic oil lamp of Roman descent, which Hope acquired when visiting the Holy Land.
Many of the collection’s objects were given to Hope by her friends and relatives. This carved, wooden Maori Tiki with paua shell eyes, was gifted in 1967 by Christina MacDonald from Wellington, New Zealand.
Our volunteers stay in regular contact with one another using a group chat, sharing these exciting finds and discussing their origin, date, use and importance. They help each other better understand objects and often send in research regarding items that we are uncertain about!
We would like to thank the incredible dedication and hard work our volunteers have put into the Sophy and White Project so far. Your efforts and enthusiasm have been truly invaluable. The time and care that everyone has invested in handling, cataloging, and preserving our collections ensures that these artifacts are protected for future generations to learn from and enjoy. Your contributions are crucial in bringing the history of these items to life and will allow us to share their stories.
Thank you once again for your exceptional work. We could not have achieved such amazing progress without you. Your support is not only enhancing the quality of our collections but also strengthening our entire museum community.
We are always looking to recruit new volunteers. If you want to get involved in the Sophy and White Project, please email anna@dunollie.org
This project was made possible by the National Heritage Lottery Fund for Scotland, thanks to National Lottery Players.
It is a credit that “The Clipper Race” chose Oban to host the last stopover of this round the world test of skill and endurance. Dunollie Castle’s commanding position has seen many different vessels pass into the bay.
In their truest form clippers were 19th century merchant ships, increasingly built to streamlined designs, maximising large sail areas to aid speed on long trade routes. Throughout the 1800’s design improvements were continual as other barques, brigs and schooners took on similar characteristics as these fast trade ships. In the mid 1800’s wealthy private owners with a thirst for speed and racing were the dawn of the America’s cup.
Ethics of the Far East Opium trade in the late 1830’s was very much in the press discussing the latest confrontations with the Chinese Qing dynasty. Tea and Opium were already the fastest growing trade commodities between India, China and Britain. European merchants had been selling opium into the coastal river basins of China, but the Chinese increasingly demanded their goods were exchanged for silver. The situation became untenable for the East India Co to operate legally when new Chinese laws seized and destroyed incoming opium cargoes. Such actions would later become recognized as the 1st Opium war.
In the Dunollie archive a letter survives from these times. Naval Captain John MacDougall (25th Clan Chief) had been struggling with his finances during an extended period of half pay from the Navy. Building a new Dunollie house along with the expense of educating six sons and helping to launch their careers severely tested his resolve. His neighbour Donald Campbell wrote to him in December 1839 with a surefire opportunity to make a “large fortune in very few years” if John would “join me in smuggling opium to China”:
My dear MacDougall
I am as you say in no sort of hurry about the reference as to the damage at Airds, but it may be as well to have it settled when you have an opportunity of meeting with Fasnaclioch.
If you want to make a large fortune in a very few years I can put you in a certain way of doing to join me in smuggling opium to China – A friend of mine Colonel Greville whom you may have met in Spain, sails next month for India in his new big yacht the Anonyma of 450 tons, 14 twenty four pounders and a long gun, with a crew of fifty men and in short the finest brig that ever was launched. When she gets to India she throws off her character as a yacht and off for China with opium and I calculate will run from a wallop the whole Chinese navy in case of need. Seriously the speculation is one which barring accidents must succeed – and I wish very much that you would join me in endeavouring to raise the wind for just such another craft and let us be off for the Celestine empire. The opium trade amounting to near six millions a year is now thrown open, because the East India Co in whose hands it has hitherto been, cannot from their position carry it on in defiance of the Chinese laws – and see what chance there is in the way I speak of with a fast powerful vessel that the Chinese can neither catch nor fight. It is said that Lord Dundonald is the man who finds the funds for Greville. If we were out there with such and the vessel we could seize upon an island on the Chinese coast and make it a sort of headquarters for ourselves in Co with Grevilles vessel. Let me hear what you think of all this –
I go down to Brighton tomorrow where we remain till next week when we go to Dover where I have taken a house for a short time. I mean to pick up a little in the way of sailing a lugger which they perfectly understand at Dover and will sail; regularly all next month with the fisherman –
My wife and youngsters are all well as I do hope yours are –
Believe me
Most truly yours
Donald Campbell
P.S. Keep the opium spec quiet my direction after the Ist January will be “Esplanade Dover”
It appears Donald’s acquaintance Colonel Greville was building a 450 ton yacht, Anonyma; “the finest brig that ever was launched” for running the India to China trade. In his letter Campbell suggests how they could outrun the Chinese Navy if they too could acquire a fast vessel. Campbell warned John to keep the details to himself but reply with his thoughts on the scheme.
It is unfortunate we do not have John’s reply; but there is no evidence he became involved in any such schemes. A few years later Capt. MacDougall led a joint punitive operation to China with steam corvettes probing and overpowering the Canton river forts. Throughout his career John would also see a great period of change in the Royal Navy as warships adapted to steam power. He took great interest in design changes and was involved in various sea trials and as Admiralty Superintendent at Southampton he would see many different sail and steam combinations. Here at Dunollie Museum we store a lithographic sail/steam diagram of a warship and store many of John’s possessions, letters, uniforms and charts. Awarded for distinguished service he retired as a Vice Admiral still patriotically volunteering his services into old age.
Well, the time has come, the end of my apprenticeship here at Dunollie! I have been part of the team for almost a year, and it truly has been the most wonderful experience.
I have got the chance to do so many things that I have never done before: giving the guided tour; delivering primary school workshops; and of course, learning about collections care. I detailed my experience of learning the tour and working alongside my colleagues to deliver school workshops in my six-month blog, so I will skip over them for now. But I will always (always, always) find time to talk about our collections!
Having my first job in the sector at a place as unique as Dunollie has been an immensely interesting experience. We care for two collections here – the Hope MacDougall social history collection and the Clan collection itself – and they intersect at the idea of telling stories about people. The Clan collection is mainly comprised of textiles belonging to the family from around the 19th century onwards, and contains some incredibly significant pieces including the only known five-piece Highland Revival tartan suit, and a beautiful 19th century beetle wing dress of cream silk. There are stories to be found both in these, and also the less extravagant pieces – lots of the MacDougall textiles show evidence of being mended or updated over time.
The Clan collection also contains some incredible Jacobean textiles and weaponry – the survival of which tells a fascinating story of political rebellion. Taking, for example, the bed hangings found in the loft of Dunollie House in 2011, adorned with hand stitched Prince of Wales feathers in a beautiful indigo blue – the survival of this incredible textile suggests it was taken when Mary MacDonald, wife of Iain Ciar (22nd Chief) fled to Kerrera whilst her husband was off fighting for the Jacobite cause. Prior to her journey to Kerrera, she had stayed and held the castle at Dunollie with a handful of fighting men and the couples four children. This is one of my favourite stories to tell on our guided tour, and people are often very responsive and smile at the thought of a woman staying behind with a few good men to defend the family’s home. Mary was a staunch supporter of the cause, and to think of her packing up these beautiful bed hangings, adorned with painstakingly stitched illustrations of a proud political symbol, I think gives us such an insight into who this woman really was. Getting to know these stories of the family who have sat atop the cliff here for the last 900 years has been an incredible honour, and there is still so much more to learn.
The other collection which we care for here is the social history collection of Miss Hope MacDougall. Hope was daughter, sister and finally aunt to the last three chiefs of the Clan MacDougall, and devoted her life to understanding the working lives of the people of Scotland’s highlands and islands, particularly those involved in fishing, agriculture and textile production.
Hope had a deep passion for social history, and not only amassed an extensive object collection, but a large archive of research to compliment her collection and also on the history of Oban and its surrounding areas. Though her collection contains many impressive items – such as the 19th century working loom, or agricultural tools from all over the highlands and islands – I spoke recently at Dunollie’s AGM about how much I have enjoyed finding more personal details about Hope herself within her collection. Of course, her passion for social history is a huge part of who she was, but some things in her archive boxes especially speak to who she was to others. She has kept more than one letter thanking her for a lovely letter or beautiful Christmas card sent to friends across the country.
One of the most wonderful things she left us was a handwritten inventory of her collection, complete with drawings of some of the objects in the margins. And most beautiful of all, a collection of newspaper clippings about the death of her friend and mentor, IF Grant, founder of Am Fasgadh (the Highland Folk Museum) in a folder on which she had written an echo of a newspaper heading: “Pioneer.”
Inside, Hope had kept many stories about Grant, along with pictures which she had been sent by others who knew of her love and respect for her friend. Hope was not only a smart, passionate, woman collector. These things show us she was warm, caring, thoughtful. It feels like such an honour to try and care for the life work of someone so incredible – I am so looking forward to the plans we have in 2024 to continue with our long-term plans to maximise the impact of both of our collections.
And that brings me to what I will be doing next! I feel so lucky to say that I have been offered a role here for the next 30 months as part of a collections-based project funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund. So, for anyone who is used to seeing me, I won’t be going anywhere! And to anyone who maybe reads these blogs from further away, maybe there will be further updates from me about my favourite Dunollie finds in the future.
As we know many people might not be able to travel to Oban this year and see our new temporary exhibition – Beyond the Stones: Magic, Medicine and the MacDougalls, members of our staff and volunteer team have agreed to share some of their research into a series of blog posts. This one was written by Anna Bain, our Engagement and Learning Officer.
Our new exhibition at Dunollie, Beyond the Stones: Magic, Medicine, and the MacDougall’s, delves into the world of charmstones and superstition, shedding light on Scotland’s rich history of belief in witchcraft and magic. Throughout the ages, certain elements and materials have been valued for their perceived ability to protect, heal, or bring good fortune.
In the past Scotland lacked the comprehensive healthcare provisions we now take for granted. Infectious diseases therefore ran rampant, and life expectancy remained tragically short. With professional physicians scarce and access to medical texts restricted, the majority of the population relied on home remedies and charms to alleviate illness.
Charms were a popular and affordable method for treating and warding off sickness. These talismans lacked scientific validation, however to many Scots they offered reassurance without the risk of harmful side effects. Modern medical research underscores the influence of belief in the healing process, highlighting the impact that the placebo effect could have on people.
These amber beads, once part of a necklace, served as a charm against blindness for the MacDonalds of Glencoe in Inverness-shire. Amber, esteemed for its amuletic properties, was traditionally believed to ward off illness and cure diseases of the eyes.
Protection wasn’t limited to humans; animals, particularly cattle, were also safeguarded through the use of charms against disease and supernatural harm. This crystal ball charmstone, enclosed by silver mounts dating back to the 16th or 17th century, belonged to the Stewarts of Ardsheal in Argyllshire. Equipped with a suspension loop for attachment to a chain, this charmstone could be dipped in water and administered to people or animals as a drink to cure or prevent illness.
Tradition has it that the MacDougall charmstones were brought back from the Holy Land by Duncan MacDougall, the 2nd Chief, upon his return from a crusade. During their journey to confront the Campbells at the Battle of Red Ford in 1294, the MacDougalls sought guidance from a magic crystal ball. However, the crystal was spirited out of the seers’ hand mid-consultation, splitting in half, foreshadowing defeat. The MacDougalls were discouraged by this bad omen, prompting their retreat.
Belief in the healing powers of the MacDougall charmstones persisted for generations. In 1833, Elizabeth (Kitty) MacDougall, daughter of the 25th Chief, recounted the crystals being dispatched, reportedly to combat an epidemic. In 1969, the crystals were locked up in a cupboard, in a remote part of the house, for safe keeping. The cupboard was broken into, and the crystals were stolen. The culprit, however, was never caught. Just as the Brooch of Lorn was returned to a later generation, it may be that the stolen crystals will in time be restored to Dunollie.
The Brooch of Lorn, was said to be seized from Robert the Bruce during the Battle of Dalrigh in 1306. In the 16th century, it was reset into an elaborate turreted fixture, a form it retains to this day. Stolen by the Campbells during the siege of Gylen Castle in 1647, the Brooch remained lost for over two centuries before being recovered and returned to Dunollie. The centre stone of the Brooch, likely made of rock crystal, was prized for its perceived protective and curative qualities, serving as another talisman for the MacDougall clan against sickness and in battle, well into the 19th Century.
The Brooch of Lorne is currently on display in the National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh.
With the Clan Gathering just two months away now, we thought it was about time to introduce Aly Robinson, our designated photographer for the week! We have worked with Aly several times over the last couple of years and were absolutely thrilled when she agreed to put some time aside in her very busy summer schedule to help us with the Gathering.
Here is a small selection of her beautiful work, which illustrates her unique cinematic style with an incredible ability to convey the softest emotions with the most dramatic backdrops:
This time, Aly has offered to do short, 30-minute photography sessions, for individuals, couples, or small groups of family and friends with Dunollie’s castle ruin and its breathtaking views as a stunning backdrop. These are only suitable for a maximum of 5 people per session, but if you are travelling with more than five loved ones and would like to do this together, it can be arranged by booking two sessions back to back (if this applies to you, please email me on florence@dunollie.org )
Whilst these are intended for attendees of the Clan Gathering, bookings are open to anyone who is available on those dates and wishes to support our charity and the talented artist that is Aly, whilst also immortalising your visit with some stunning shots. Spaces are filling up quickly but we still have a few sessions open in the mornings and evenings of Wednesday 31st July and Thursday 1st and Friday 2nd August.
Aly has a passion for Scotland, the Highlands and their dramatic landscape, so naturally, she has worked with our site as a backdrop before, particularly as a wedding photographer, but also, with members of our team.
She took the following photos of my partner and me at Dunollie at the end of September last year. For context, it was a dark, cold day, I had never worked with a professional photographer before and tend to be quite uncomfortable on camera. She was such a funny, calming presence, made us both feel so at ease and we had a really lovely time during the shoot. We couldn’t wait to see how the photos turned out, but never expected them to be this special. Aly has made me feel so much prettier than I thought I could feel and I have been recommending her to everyone since.
Find out more about Aly and her work on her website here, but remember bookings for photoshoots during the Gathering can only be booked on our website here or through the button below.
This programme was last updated on the 29th May 2024 and aims to provide an overview of the activities we will be offering on each day of the Clan Gathering with direct bookings links to any with spaces still available.
Join your fellow clan folk and gathering attendees in Dunollie’s marquee and collect your welcome pack as well as any clan gathering merchandise you ordered. This will be an opportunity meet and greet everyone and be introduced to the week’s activities and our team. There will be a piper present and some stalls to explore. Refreshments will be provided.
Event length: 1.5-2hrs
Admission: Free for Gathering Registration Ticketholders
10.30am, 11.30am & 2pm, starting by the post box, Dunollie Museum, Castle & Grounds.
Follow one of our Tour Guides and immerse yourself in Dunollie’s history, from the Iron age, to Somerled and the birth of the Clan MacDougall, throughout the Jacobite uprisings and until the present day. The tour starts near Dunollie’s Reception Booth and will take you around the outside of the 1745 House and up to the Castle, lasting around 45min-1hr. Our Tour Guides are some of the best people to ask any questions you might have about Dunollie, Lorn and the Clan MacDougall.
Please note, the path up to the Castle is steep and not wheelchair, or stroller accessible. The group will move up the hill slowly, there is a handrail and walking sticks can be provided to help participants. However, the second part of the tour may not be accessible to people with mobility issues. Everyone is welcome to join the first half of the tour and to stop at to stop before the end if needed.
Admission: Free for Gathering Registration Ticketholders
Availability: Fully booked
Event length: 1hr
Garden Tour of Dunollie
2pm & 3.30pm, Dunollie Museum, Castle & Grounds.
Discover Dunollie’s Historic Woodland Grounds and Shrubbery with Maurice Wilkins, botanical expert and retired Head Gardener of Arduaine Gardens. Dunollie is home to hundreds of different plant species, some native to the west coast of Scotland and some brought back by MacDougall Chiefs from across the world over the course of the last centuries. There is no better guide to Dunollie’s grounds than Maurice, who has been one of our most dedicated volunteers, studying our gardens and helping us think about its future over the last two years.This activity will last 45min-1hour and involve standing and walking, although it will take place entirely on wheelchair accessible paths.
Join our resident Gaelic Tutor, Duncan MacNeil, to learn some traditional Gaelic words and phrases. During the workshop you will also discover more about Gaelic culture throughout history and its place in modern Scotland, as well as hearing performances from local Gaelic musicians and artists.
The taster session will last about an hour, with tea, coffee and shortbread included. All levels of ability are welcome, from complete beginners to fluent Gaelic speakers. This activity will take place sitting down and will be accessible to wheelchair users.
Admission: £10
Event length: 1.5hrs
Isleof Kerrera Walking Tour – FULLY BOOKED
12pm, Ferry departing from Gallanach Slipway, South of Oban.
Embark on a walking tour of Kerrera – Oban’s nearest inhabited island and a key to the power of the Clan MacDougall. This activity will start at Gallanach Ferry terminal, a couple miles south of Oban (accessible by car, taxi or bus), where you will embark on a small boat for a 5–10-minute crossing to the Kerrera. There, you will follow your guide towards the south of the beautiful island, where you will have a chance to enjoy some lunch and refreshments at the lovely cottage tearoom, as well as a chance to explore Gylen Castle, before heading back to the ferry. Beyond Kerrera’s fascinating history, this walking tour will also give you a chance to experience the idyllic Scottish countryside, with sheep, goats, rabbits and different birds in the first blooms of heather.
This activity requites participants to be able to walk for 3-5 hours. Please bring appropriate walking gear (especially sturdy, comfortable shoes), waterproofs and your own bottle of water. It is possible to purchase water from the tearoom of course, but it may take 2 hours to reach.
Admission: £28
Event length: half day/ 4hrs
Guided Tour of Dunstaffanage Castle and Chapel
11am, Dunstaffanage Castle, Dunbeg.
Make your way to the village of Dunbeg to discover another of the MacDougall Castles.
The MacDougalls of the 13th century were not only great warlords of what is now Argyll; they were also innovators, especially when it came to castle design. Built in 1220 AD, Dunstaffnage Castle is a fantastic example of this ingenuity and is unusual for the time, being one of the first in Scotland built out of stone. The Secrets behind the Stones are there to be explored in this tour around Dunstaffnage Castle. Discover what is needed to build such a fortress and what it is truly like to live and work in a 13th century castle.
The tour will begin on the grassy area outside the shop and last for about an hour. It is suitable for all ages. Please note that the entrance to the castle is up a steep staircase (though there is a strong handrail) and may not be accessible to people with mobility issues.
Jennifer Shaw, Dunollie’s lead archive volunteer, presents a fascinating insight in to the recently discovered Dunollie rent book, dating to the mid-17th century. The Rent Book opens up a whole new insight into the economic relationship between the MacDougall Clan Chiefs and their tenants preceding the Jacobite era in Scotland, which we would not have been able to access, if not for its miraculous rediscovery and Jennifer’s skill and dedication put towards its transcription.
Following Jennifer’s presentation, there will be an opportunity for those interested to step into the 1745 House Museum’s reading room and see the Rent Book.
1pm, meeting point tbc. either Oban Train Station or Dunollie Museum, Castle & Grounds
Discover Oban and its many stories with an expert guide. Learn about the entrepreneurial businessmen who developed the town from its humble Stone Age cave dwelling origins. Follow in the footsteps of Queen Victoria, Boswell and Johnson, Sir Walter Scott, Robert Louis Stevenson and other prominent Victorians. Promenade along the Esplanade and enjoy tales of Celtic monks, ancient Celtic giants and Irish myths and legends. Take the steep but rewarding walk up to McCaig’s Tower to enjoy the stunning views out over Oban Bay.
This activity requires participants to be comfortable walking for over an hour and is not wheelchair accessible. Please bring comfortable active footwear and waterproofs.
Meet Aly Robinson for a photoshoot at the castle to commemorate your visit. Aly is an incredibly talented photographer with years of experience in both Scotland and America. She will talk you through the whole session, making sure you are comfortable and suggesting different poses to make the most of the exceptional setting. The shoot will last around 30 minutes.
You are welcome to book your photoshoot as an individual, couple, family, or as a group of friends. Please note that if you would like more than 5 people to participate, you may be asked to book more than one timeslot. If you would like to use another part of Dunollie as your backdrop, that can be arranged too.
Spend a day on the Isle of Lismore, a hidden gem of the Hebrides and the pearl of the MacDougall crown. Tickets will include return ferry to Lismore, transport around the island, lunch and refreshments throughout the day, as well as your choice of two of the activities below:
· Guided walk with Dr. Bob Hay to the Castle Coeffin Ruin, a 15th century MacDougall stronghold with Norse roots. Level: Steep descents, wear sturdy footwear.
· Guided walk with Douglas Breingan of Paisley Museum to the Lismore Parish Church, formerly St. Moluag’s Cathedral, built in the 15th century by the Clan MacDougall, and Medieval graveslab display. Short Service in Scottish and Gaelic by Rev. Dougald Cameron. Level: Flat surfaces, 10-minute walk. Limited seats in Land Rover available for those who are not able to walk.
· Visit of the Museum, Gaelic Library, and gift shop. Drop-in genealogy service, historic reenactment at the Cottars Cottage, and meet some of the island’s locals at the museum desk.
· Shepherding demonstration with local shepherd Arthur and his collie dogs at Port a Charron’s abandoned 18″ century Weaver’s Village. Level. Medium. Sturdy footwear required. Limited seats in 4×4 Rover available for those who are not able to walk on grassy terrain.
· Talk Dy Dr Bob Hay and Douglas Breingan in the Museum room —learn more about recent archaeological excavations and fascinating discoveries in and around St Moluag’s Cathedral, the Glebe, and old Graveyard. Find out how we can all help to secure the future of the Church.
10.30am (fully booked), 11.30am & 2pm, starting by the post box, Dunollie Museum, Castle & Grounds.
Follow one of our Tour Guides and immerse yourself in Dunollie’s history, from the Iron age, to Somerled and the birth of the Clan MacDougall, throughout the Jacobite uprisings and until the present day. The tour starts near Dunollie’s Reception Booth and will take you around the outside of the 1745 House and up to the Castle, lasting around 45min-1hr. Our Tour Guides are some of the best people to ask any questions you might have about Dunollie, Lorn and the Clan MacDougall.
Please note, the path up to the Castle is steep and not wheelchair, or stroller accessible. The group will move up the hill slowly, there is a handrail and walking sticks can be provided to help participants. However, the second part of the tour may not be accessible to people with mobility issues. Everyone is welcome to join the first half of the tour and to stop at to stop before the end if needed.
Admission: Free for all Gathering Registration Ticketholders
10.30pm & 12.30pm, minibus transport provided from Dunollie Museum, Castle & Grounds
Historic Kilbride has been a part of the MacDougall story for centuries. Here lie Clan Chiefs, Jacobite warriors, storied soldiers, sailors and men of the cloth. Here lie too, MacDougall women folk; dauntless Mary of Sleat, Hope MacDougall – whose efforts to conserve the Clan’s heritage are seen to this day at Dunollie and Jean MacDougall, whose collated work “Highland Postbag” brings MacDougall history to life.
Participants will be welcomed with a complimentary tea or coffee and a showing of a short film, “Kilbride: A past too rich to have no future”. Members of the Kilbride Team will also be on hand for any questions you may have.
About Kilbride Kirk: Located 3 miles South of Oban in Lerags, Kilbride Kirk has played an important part in Scotland’s history and is connected to figures such as Robert The Bruce, Alexander II and the Clan MacDougall. There are some 319 known graves at Kilbride, dating as far back as the 13th century to the present day. This important site is now cared for by the charity “Friends of Kilbride”, who have recently completed the renovation and preservation of the ruined Kirk and Session House. A warm welcome awaits!
Admission: £36
Event length: 2hrs
Garden Tour of Dunollie – By Maurice Wilkins
2pm & 3.30pm, Dunollie Museum, Castle & Grounds.
Discover Dunollie’s Historic Woodland Grounds and Shrubbery with Maurice Wilkins, botanical expert and retired Head Gardener of Arduaine Gardens. Dunollie is home to hundreds of different plant species, some native to the west coast of Scotland and some brought back by MacDougall Chiefs from across the world over the course of the last centuries. There is no better guide to Dunollie’s grounds than Maurice, who has been one of our most dedicated volunteers, studying our gardens and helping us think about its future over the last two years.
This activity will last 45min-1hour and involve standing and walking, although it will take place entirely on wheelchair accessible paths.
Dr Martin MacGregor is a senior lecturer in Scottish History at the University of Glasgow, specialising in the history of the Highlands or Gaelic-speaking Scotland between 1300 and 1900. His PhD was on Clann Griogair or the MacGregors in the later Middle Ages (roughly the 14th to 16th centuries),and he maintains a strong research interest in clans and clan society.
Dr Macgregor’s talk will the nature of clanship in the later Middle Ages by using Clan MacDougall as a case study: Clans are one of the iconic markers of Scottish identity, yet surprisingly little academic research has been done on either clan society, or on the history of individual clans, in the later Middle Ages. This talk will offer some thoughts on the rise, fall and survival of Clann Dubhghaill or the MacDougalls in this era. It will make discuss some important surviving documents, pay attention to the MacDougalls as patrons of Gaelic culture, and draw comparisons with other clans.
Visit and experience one of Oban’s most iconic buildings (after Dunollie Castle of course), and learn about the history of the town, and the whisky making process. Your visit will include a complete tour of the Distillery with an expert Guide, as well as the opportunity to try three different drams of Oban Whisky.
Join Marlynn Turbitt in Dunollie for an informal and fun dance lesson to help you prepare for the ceilidh dance on Saturday evening. If you’re new to ceilidh dancing, or would like a chance to practice and be reminded of a few of the dances, this is the perfect opportunity.
This activity will last about an hour, all levels of ability are welcome.
Join our resident Gaelic Tutor, Duncan MacNeil, to learn some traditional Gaelic words and phrases. During the workshop you will also discover more about Gaelic culture throughout history and its place in modern Scotland, as well as hearing performances from local Gaelic musicians and artists.
The taster session will last about an hour, with tea, coffee and shortbread included. All levels of ability are welcome, from complete beginners to fluent Gaelic speakers. This activity will take place sitting down and will be accessible to wheelchair users.
Spend a day on the Isle of Lismore, a hidden gem of the Hebrides and the pearl of the MacDougall crown. Tickets will include return ferry to Lismore, transport around the island, lunch and refreshments throughout the day, as well as your choice of two of the activities below:
· Guided walk with Dr. Bob Hay to the Castle Coeffin Ruin, a 15th century MacDougall stronghold with Norse roots. Level: Steep descents, wear sturdy footwear.
· Guided walk with Douglas Breingan of Paisley Museum to the Lismore Parish Church, formerly St. Moluag’s Cathedral, built in the 15th century by the Clan MacDougall, and Medieval graveslab display. Short Service in Scottish and Gaelic by Rev. Dougald Cameron. Level: Flat surfaces, 10-minute walk. Limited seats in Land Rover available for those who are not able to walk.
· Visit of the Museum, Gaelic Library, and gift shop. Drop-in genealogy service, historic reenactment at the Cottars Cottage, and meet some of the island’s locals at the museum desk.
· Shepherding demonstration with local shepherd Arthur and his collie dogs at Port a Charron’s abandoned 18″ century Weaver’s Village. Level. Medium. Sturdy footwear required. Limited seats in 4×4 Rover available for those who are not able to walk on grassy terrain.
· Talk Dy Dr Bob Hay and Douglas Breingan in the Museum room —learn more about recent archaeological excavations and fascinating discoveries in and around St Moluag’s Cathedral, the Glebe, and old Graveyard. Find out how we can all help to secure the future of the Church.
10.30am, 11.30am & 2pm, starting by the post box, Dunollie Museum, Castle & Grounds.
Follow one of our Tour Guides and immerse yourself in Dunollie’s history, from the Iron age, to Somerled and the birth of the Clan MacDougall, throughout the Jacobite uprisings and until the present day. The tour starts near Dunollie’s Reception Booth and will take you around the outside of the 1745 House and up to the Castle, lasting around 45min-1hr. Our Tour Guides are some of the best people to ask any questions you might have about Dunollie, Lorn and the Clan MacDougall.
Please note, the path up to the Castle is steep and not wheelchair, or stroller accessible. The group will move up the hill slowly, there is a handrail and walking sticks can be provided to help participants. However, the second part of the tour may not be accessible to people with mobility issues. Everyone is welcome to join the first half of the tour and to stop at to stop before the end if needed.
Admission: Free for all Gathering Registration Ticketholders
10.30pm & 12.30pm, minibus transport provided from Dunollie Museum, Castle & Grounds
Historic Kilbride has been a part of the MacDougall story for centuries. Here lie Clan Chiefs, Jacobite warriors, storied soldiers, sailors and men of the cloth. Here lie too, MacDougall women folk; dauntless Mary of Sleat, Hope MacDougall – whose efforts to conserve the Clan’s heritage are seen to this day at Dunollie and Jean MacDougall, whose collated work “Highland Postbag” brings MacDougall history to life.
Participants will be welcomed with a complimentary tea or coffee and a showing of a short film, “Kilbride: A past too rich to have no future”. Members of the Kilbride Team will also be on hand for any questions you may have.
About Kilbride Kirk: Located 3 miles South of Oban in Lerags, Kilbride Kirk has played an important part in Scotland’s history and is connected to figures such as Robert The Bruce, Alexander II and the Clan MacDougall. There are some 319 known graves at Kilbride, dating as far back as the 13th century to the present day. This important site is now cared for by the charity “Friends of Kilbride”, who have recently completed the renovation and preservation of the ruined Kirk and Session House. A warm welcome awaits!
Visit and experience one of Oban’s most iconic buildings (after Dunollie Castle of course), and learn about the history of the town, and the whisky making process. Your visit will include a complete tour of the Distillery with an expert Guide, as well as the opportunity to try three different drams of Oban Whisky.
Join our resident Gaelic Tutor, Duncan MacNeil, to learn some traditional Gaelic words and phrases. During the workshop you will also discover more about Gaelic culture throughout history and its place in modern Scotland, as well as hearing performances from local Gaelic musicians and artists.
The taster session will last about an hour, with tea, coffee and shortbread included. All levels of ability are welcome, from complete beginners to fluent Gaelic speakers. This activity will take place sitting down and will be accessible to wheelchair users.
Admission £10
Event length: 1hr
Finding Dugald: The first ancestor of the Clan MacDougall – A talk by Catherine Gillies
Join Catherine Gillies, a museum curator who has been involved with Dunollie and its collections for more than 25 years. Catherine’s talk will explore the legacy of Somerled and how his son Dugald came to found the Clan in North Argyll. This presentation is based on new discoveries which she has made during our current Clan history project, which will soon result in a new book focusing on Dunollie and its relationship to the Clan MacDougall.
Discover Dunollie’s Historic Woodland Grounds and Shrubbery with Maurice Wilkins, botanical expert and retired Head Gardener of Arduaine Gardens. Dunollie is home to hundreds of different plant species, some native to the west coast of Scotland and some brought back by MacDougall Chiefs from across the world over the course of the last centuries. There is no better guide to Dunollie’s grounds than Maurice, who has been one of our most dedicated volunteers, studying our gardens and helping us think about its future over the last two years.
This activity will last 45min-1hour and involve standing and walking, although it will take place entirely on wheelchair accessible paths.
Meet Aly Robinson for a photoshoot at the castle to commemorate your visit. Aly is an incredibly talented photographer with years of experience in both Scotland and America. She will talk you through the whole session, making sure you are comfortable and suggesting different poses to make the most of the exceptional setting. The shoot will last around 30 minutes.
You are welcome to book your photoshoot as an individual, couple, family, or as a group of friends. Please note that if you would like more than 5 people to participate, you may be asked to book more than one timeslot. If you would like to use another part of Dunollie as your backdrop, that can be arranged too.
Spend the evening in Dunollie Museum, Castle and Grounds. Enjoy the peaceful nature and breath-taking views from the Castle after most of the day’s visitors have left. Sample some of the Kettle Garden Café’s exclusive dinner options as well as a selection of desserts, snacks, cocktails and traditional Scottish drinks prepared for the occasion. You will be joined there by there by fantastic local band – The Antics- who will be providing musical entertainment throughout the night.
This activity is accessible to all. Please note that food and drinks are not included in the ticket price and will need to be purchased separately during the evening.
Make your way to the village of Dunbeg to discover another of the MacDougall Castles.
The MacDougalls of the 13th century were not only great warlords of what is now Argyll; they were also innovators, especially when it came to castle design. Built in 1220 AD, Dunstaffnage Castle is a fantastic example of this ingenuity and is unusual for the time, being one of the first in Scotland built out of stone. The Secrets behind the Stones are there to be explored in this tour around Dunstaffnage Castle. Discover what is needed to build such a fortress and what it is truly like to live and work in a 13th century castle.
The tour will begin on the grassy area outside the shop and last for about an hour. It is suitable for all ages. Please note that the entrance to the castle is up a steep staircase (though there is a strong handrail) and may not be accessible to people with mobility issues.
10am, Ferry departing from Gallanach Slipway, South of Oban.
Embark on a walking tour of Kerrera – Oban’s nearest inhabited island and a key to the power of the Clan MacDougall. This activity will start at Gallanach Ferry terminal, a couple miles south of Oban (accessible by car, taxi or bus), where you will embark on a small boat for a 5–10-minute crossing to the Kerrera. There, you will follow your guide towards the south of the beautiful island, where you will have a chance to enjoy some lunch and refreshments at the lovely cottage tearoom, as well as a chance to explore Gylen Castle, before heading back to the ferry. Beyond Kerrera’s fascinating history, this walking tour will also give you a chance to experience the idyllic Scottish countryside, with sheep, goats, rabbits and different birds in the first blooms of heather.
This activity requites participants to be able to walk for 3-5 hours. Please bring appropriate walking gear (especially sturdy, comfortable shoes), waterproofs and your own bottle of water. It is possible to purchase water from the tearoom of course, but it may take 2 hours to reach.
Meet Aly Robinson for a photoshoot at the castle to commemorate your visit. Aly is an incredibly talented photographer with years of experience in both Scotland and America. She will talk you through the whole session, making sure you are comfortable and suggesting different poses to make the most of the exceptional setting. The shoot will last around 30 minutes.
You are welcome to book your photoshoot as an individual, couple, family, or as a group of friends. Please note that if you would like more than 5 people to participate, you may be asked to book more than one timeslot. If you would like to use another part of Dunollie as your backdrop, that can be arranged too.
10am, Ferry departing from Gallanach Slipway, South of Oban.
Embark on a walking tour of Kerrera – Oban’s nearest inhabited island and a key to the power of the Clan MacDougall. This activity will start at Gallanach Ferry terminal, a couple miles south of Oban (accessible by car, taxi or bus), where you will embark on a small boat for a 5–10-minute crossing to the Kerrera. There, you will follow your guide towards the south of the beautiful island, where you will have a chance to enjoy some lunch and refreshments at the lovely cottage tearoom, as well as a chance to explore Gylen Castle, before heading back to the ferry. Beyond Kerrera’s fascinating history, this walking tour will also give you a chance to experience the idyllic Scottish countryside, with sheep, goats, rabbits and different birds in the first blooms of heather.
This activity requites participants to be able to walk for 3-5 hours. Please bring appropriate walking gear (especially sturdy, comfortable shoes), waterproofs and your own bottle of water. It is possible to purchase water from the tearoom of course, but it may take 2 hours to reach.
Admission: £28
Event length: half day/ 4hrs
Guided Tour of Dunollie
10.30am, 11.30am & 2pm, starting by the post box, Dunollie Museum, Castle & Grounds.
Follow one of our Tour Guides and immerse yourself in Dunollie’s history, from the Iron age, to Somerled and the birth of the Clan MacDougall, throughout the Jacobite uprisings and until the present day. The tour starts near Dunollie’s Reception Booth and will take you around the outside of the 1745 House and up to the Castle, lasting around 45min-1hr. Our Tour Guides are some of the best people to ask any questions you might have about Dunollie, Lorn and the Clan MacDougall.
Please note, the path up to the Castle is steep and not wheelchair, or stroller accessible. The group will move up the hill slowly, there is a handrail and walking sticks can be provided to help participants. However, the second part of the tour may not be accessible to people with mobility issues. Everyone is welcome to join the first half of the tour and to stop at to stop before the end if needed.
Admission: Free for all Gathering Registration Ticketholders
10.30pm & 12.30pm, minibus transport provided from Dunollie Museum, Castle & Grounds.
Historic Kilbride has been a part of the MacDougall story for centuries. Here lie Clan Chiefs, Jacobite warriors, storied soldiers, sailors and men of the cloth. Here lie too, MacDougall women folk; dauntless Mary of Sleat, Hope MacDougall – whose efforts to conserve the Clan’s heritage are seen to this day at Dunollie and Jean MacDougall, whose collated work “Highland Postbag” brings MacDougall history to life.
Participants will be welcomed with a complimentary tea or coffee and a showing of a short film, “Kilbride: A past too rich to have no future”. Members of the Kilbride Team will also be on hand for any questions you may have.
About Kilbride Kirk: Located 3 miles South of Oban in Lerags, Kilbride Kirk has played an important part in Scotland’s history and is connected to figures such as Robert The Bruce, Alexander II and the Clan MacDougall. There are some 319 known graves at Kilbride, dating as far back as the 13th century to the present day. This important site is now cared for by the charity “Friends of Kilbride”, who have recently completed the renovation and preservation of the ruined Kirk and Session House. A warm welcome awaits!
Castles & Wildlife Boat Tour – with Coastal Connections – FULLY BOOKED
9.30am, 11.45am, 2pm, 4.15pm, Departure from slipway across from the Oban War & Peace Museum, Oban.
Join local brothers Cameron and Struan and explore the local area by the sea, as most people would have before the 19th century. Embark on a sightseeing journey and tick-off all your favourite MacDougall castles from Dunollie, to Dunstaffnage, to Castle Stalker and Gylen. The “Wildlife and Castles” extended boat tour leaves from Oban Bay.
The route takes in sights of Dunollie Castle Ruin, Dunstaffnage Castle, Castle Stalker and Gylen Castle on the Island of Kerrera. This will allow plenty of opportunity to spot bird life such as Guillemots, Gannets, Terns and on a lucky day… a Sea Eagle! You will also be spot the impressive Lismore Lighthouse, an operational fish farm and seal colony.
Please dress warmly and in waterproof clothing as you will be on the boat for the duration of the activity.
Admission: £60
Event length: 1h45-2hrs
Piping Recital & Discussion – with Jamie MacGregor
Join Jamie MacGregor, Dunollie’s Heritage Engagement Officer, for an interactive performance. Jamie has been playing the bagpipes for over 15 years and has a wealth of knowledge about this fascinating instrument. Listen to him perform a varied repertoire of your favourite piping tunes and learn about the history of the bagpipes in Scotland and in Dunollie. Take a closer look at the bagpipes, handle its different parts, and get a proper understanding of how they actually work and how best to care for them. There will be ample opportunity to ask him any questions you might have throughout the session.
Visit and experience one of Oban’s most iconic buildings (after Dunollie Castle of course), and learn about the history of the town, and the whisky making process. Your visit will include a complete tour of the Distillery with an expert Guide, as well as the opportunity to try three different drams of Oban Whisky.
Discover Dunollie’s Historic Woodland Grounds and Shrubbery with Maurice Wilkins, botanical expert and retired Head Gardener of Arduaine Gardens. Dunollie is home to hundreds of different plant species, some native to the west coast of Scotland and some brought back by MacDougall Chiefs from across the world over the course of the last centuries. There is no better guide to Dunollie’s grounds than Maurice, who has been one of our most dedicated volunteers, studying our gardens and helping us think about its future over the last two years.
This activity will last 45min-1hour and involve standing and walking, although it will take place entirely on wheelchair accessible paths.
Roddy has been a professional archaeologist for 37 years and has lived and worked in Argyll for 20 of those. He has a special interest in historical records and is perhaps happiest when they combine on a site. Over the last few years Roddy has been compiling historical chronicles for the MacDougalls and the MacDonalds, after having worked at both Dunollie and Dunyvaig castles which he will be discussing in his talk.
Join Marlynn Turbitt in Dunollie for an informal and fun dance lesson to help you prepare for the ceilidh dance on Saturday evening. If you’re new to ceilidh dancing, or would like a chance to practice and be reminded of a few of the dances, this is the perfect opportunity.
This activity will last about an hour, all levels of ability are welcome.
1pm, meeting point tbc. either Oban Train Station or Dunollie Museum, Castle & Grounds
Discover Oban and its many stories with an expert guide. Learn about the entrepreneurial businessmen who developed the town from its humble Stone Age cave dwelling origins. Follow in the footsteps of Queen Victoria, Boswell and Johnson, Sir Walter Scott, Robert Louis Stevenson and other prominent Victorians. Promenade along the Esplanade and enjoy tales of Celtic monks, ancient Celtic giants and Irish myths and legends. Take the steep but rewarding walk up to McCaig’s Tower to enjoy the stunning views out over Oban Bay.
This activity requires participants to be comfortable walking for over an hour and is not wheelchair accessible. Please bring comfortable active footwear and waterproofs.
Dunollie’s walled garden is usually closed to the public but will be exceptionally open to let you discover all of the fantastic projects which it is now being used for since being taken over by Hope Kitchen’s Greenshoots initiative in November 2023.
Admission: Please consider making a donation of your choice to Greenshoots Oban (this will be possible on the day)
Event length: Drop in for as long as you would like between 9am and 12pm
Castles & Wildlife Boat Tour – with Coastal Connections
9am, departure from slipway across from the Oban War & Peace Museum, Oban.
Join local brothers Cameron and Struan and explore the local area by the sea, as most people would have before the 19th century. Embark on a sightseeing journey and tick-off all your favourite MacDougall castles from Dunollie, to Dunstaffnage, to Castle Stalker and Gylen. The “Wildlife and Castles” extended boat tour leaves from Oban Bay.
The route takes in sights of Dunollie Castle Ruin, Dunstaffnage Castle, Castle Stalker and Gylen Castle on the Island of Kerrera. This will allow plenty of opportunity to spot bird life such as Guillemots, Gannets, Terns and on a lucky day… a Sea Eagle! You will also be spot the impressive Lismore Lighthouse, an operational fish farm and seal colony.
Please dress warmly and in waterproof clothing as you will be on the boat for the duration of the activity.
Activities start at 10am, Dunollie Museum, Castle & Grounds.
Travel back in time for the day and experience Dunollie’s history like never before. Explore a selection of fantastic local stalls in the Gathering Marquee, meet the Erskines Regiment and take part in a selection of heritage crafts throughout the day.
Admission: Free for Gathering Registration Ticketholders
18x15min consultations between 10am and 3.45pm, Dunollie Museum, Castle & Grounds.
Book a 15-minute consultation with Caroline Boswell, professional Genealogist and Trustee of Friends of Kildride to discuss your family ancestry. In 15 minutes, Caroline may not have time to undertake in-depth research and therefore it is possible that no groundbreaking discovery will happen for you during the session. Instead, she aims to discuss with you what you know and show you different tools which exist for you to continue your own research, guiding you towards the right databases, records and archives to get the answers you seek.
Everyone is welcome to book a consultation, but if you are here as a family, a single consultation might suffice for all of you. If in doubt, please email us to ask. This activity is suitable for anyone with an interest in researching their genealogy and doesn’t need to be related to the clan MacDougall at all.
Visit and experience one of Oban’s most iconic buildings (after Dunollie Castle of course), and learn about the history of the town, and the whisky making process. Your visit will include a complete tour of the Distillery with an expert Guide, as well as the opportunity to try three different drams of Oban Whisky.
Discover Dunollie’s Historic Woodland Grounds and Shrubbery with Maurice Wilkins, botanical expert and retired Head Gardener of Arduaine Gardens. Dunollie is home to hundreds of different plant species, some native to the west coast of Scotland and some brought back by MacDougall Chiefs from across the world over the course of the last centuries. There is no better guide to Dunollie’s grounds than Maurice, who has been one of our most dedicated volunteers, studying our gardens and helping us think about its future over the last two years.
This activity will last 45min-1hour and involve standing and walking, although it will take place entirely on wheelchair accessible paths.
Genetic Roots and Branch of the Clan MacDougall – Could you be a blood descendant of Dougall MacSomhairle, King of the Hebrides? – A Talk by Edward Sweeney (born MacDougall)
Meet Edward Sweeney and find out more about his groundbreaking research into the Y-chromosome DNA of the modern-day descendants of Somerled. Edward will begin by introducing himself and explaining how and why he first started what is now known as the MacDougall DNA Project. He will discuss what this research entails and what can be learned from Y-Chromosome DNA testing, what is already known about the Y-DNA patterns associated with paternal descendants of Somerled and Dougall and what the future of this project might hold. There will be time for questions and further information about the project and its resources will be available to all participants.
Join your fellow clan members and Clan Chief for a final evening of celebrations! Enjoy a traditional Scottish dinner (with three courses), have a dram of whisky and get ready to dance at the clan’s biggest ceilidh of the year.
If you are new to ceilidh dancing, fear not, each dance will be explained briefly as it starts and the most important is to have a good time. There are two dancing lessons scheduled to take place in Dunollie in the days before hand which might be useful to you.
Anyone who isn’t able or doesn’t wish to join in is welcome to sit back and enjoy the live music.
Admission: £120 for adults, £80 for children
Availability: Tickets available to registered attendees
Some ‘Reall MacDougalls’: The Clan Maelanfaid alliance with Clan Dougall during 160 years of war and peace.
3.30 pm, Clan Gatheirng Marquee, Dunollie Museum, Castle and Grounds.
Join Seanchaidh Dr. Graeme Macaloney, who runs the Clan Maelanfaid FTDNA Project, to hear how the ‘Reall MacDougalls’ manuscript identifies the ancient Argyll kindred, Clan Maelanfaid, as close blood relations of Clan Dugall. Living adjacent to each other, and probably linked by a strategic marriage, the Maelanfaid helped Alexander MacDougall defeat Robert Bruce at the battle of Dalrigh capturing the Brooch of Lorne, bolstered John MacDougall’s army to 2,000 warriors at the fateful battle of the Pass of Brander, and were exiled with John, Ewen and Alan Gallda MacDougall in England. As a learned ecclesiastical family, the Maelanfaid were sponsored by the MacDougalls as Bishops of Argyll.
End the Gathering on a high note by taking part in a march through Oban with your fellow clan folk and accompanied by a pipe band, share lunch together (included) before heading our separate ways.
The activity is a march so it does require being able to walk however, participants are welcome to join for sections of the march rather than its entirety should that be more suited to them.
Admission: Free for Registration Ticket Holders
Availability: Tickets available for registered attendees.
Discover the Clarsach (a musical instrument similar to a harp), one of Scotland oldest and most cherished musical instrument which important Clan Chiefs would have had in their halls long before the bagpipes became popular. A group of local players will be providing a short talk on the musical history of Clarsach and harps at Dunollie, accompanied by tunes associated with this ancestral Clan seat and surrounding areas. There will be an opportunity to try your own hand at the Clarsach and ask any questions you might have.
Make your way to the village of Dunbeg to discover another of the MacDougall Castles.
The MacDougalls of the 13th century were not only great warlords of what is now Argyll; they were also innovators, especially when it came to castle design. Built in 1220 AD, Dunstaffnage Castle is a fantastic example of this ingenuity and is unusual for the time, being one of the first in Scotland built out of stone. The Secrets behind the Stones are there to be explored in this tour around Dunstaffnage Castle. Discover what is needed to build such a fortress and what it is truly like to live and work in a 13th century castle.
The tour will begin on the grassy area outside the shop and last for about an hour. It is suitable for all ages. Please note that the entrance to the castle is up a steep staircase (though there is a strong handrail) and may not be accessible to people with mobility issues.
Following a few years of quietly improving the estate under the Chieftaincies of Alexander (23rd) and Patrick (24th), John MacDougall’s time as 25th chief of the Clan MacDougall was trademarked by a shift in political alignment – finally in the national direction – and a huge dose of Highland spirit.
John found a bit of fame for his family by distinguishing himself as a Naval officer over a long career – achieving the rank of Admiral and eventually being knighted in 1861. He returned to Dunollie and took up as Chief in 1812, following the sudden death of his older brother, Sandy, at the battle of Cuidad Rodrigo. For the rest of his career, his very capable wife Sophy Timmins would oversee the house and estate during his long absences at sea.
In 1816 – ten years before wedding Sophy – John wrote home that he was increasingly in the company of Alastair Ranaldson MacDonnell of Glengarry and Clanranald, who was leading ideas and dress around conspicuous Highlandism in fashionable circles including at the court of Prince George, who at the time was serving as Regent during the final illness of his father George III. The first tartan suit in the Dunollie collection dates from this period.
The second suit, however, dates from a few years later – around 1819. John and his sister Mary Jane were involved in the visit by the former Regent, now King George IV, to Edinburgh in 1822. Due to the nature of the Highland Revival, John’s credentials for his naval record were almost bested by interest in his Highland pedigree, and he punched well above his weight in terms of his positioning alongside the highly titled and wealthy aristocrats of Scotland. It is likely that he wore this second suit to meet King George IV, dressed as the perfect Highland Chief.
While there is no definitive description of the Highland Revival, nor the exact period it covered, in costume terms the Highland Revival refers to the period c1782-1837. Following the 1782 Act to Repeal the Proscription of Highland Dress, there was a resurgence of interest in, and wearing of, Highland Dress in Scotland. Highland chiefs seemed to lead this Revival, with many of them having been members of the early Celtic Societies. John was prominent in the society, heading the Argyll branch and revelling in the spirit of the Highland Revival. The writings of Sir Walter Scott, however, ensured that the popularity of these symbols was taken up well beyond the original Highland Chiefs.
Though featured here as a jacket and kilt, this incredible suit also includes a set of trews – with feet – making it what we believe to be the only surviving 5-piece suit from the Highland Revival period. The pieces would have included: jacket, waistcoat, kilt, trews and sash.
There are stories to be found also in the colours of this suit: this and the earlier, 3-piece suit are both slightly different variations on the pre-established sett which is used for all the other hard tartan objects in Dunollie’s textile collection, even those which are more recent. This would suggest that the decision for them to be different was not a mistake, but a choice. Could it be that John was looking to cement his image of a true member of the Highland nobility? Red dyes made from the expensive and therefore status-bearing cochineal beetle would have been another string in John’s bow when trying to project himself to the top of society at this time.
Though many of the Highland society men would have attended events such as King George IV’s welcome reception in full tartan get up, in keeping with Revival spirit of the time, John’s suit testifies to have been worn over a long period, showing his continued dedication to the Highland lifestyle. The suit is faded in places, frayed, and shows signs of being patched up and repaired. It has also been let out at the waist, suggesting it was worn whilst John aged. We can gather that this suit would have been his signature look.
