Duntrune Castle
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History
Duntrune Castle began life as a Clan McDougal castle in the 12th or 13th century, however little is left of this building except the outer enclosure and the vaulted rooms on the gound floor. Most of today's castle was built in the 16th century when Duncan Campbell of Duntrune allowed Donald McGillespic Vic O'Challum use of the land. The name "O'Challum" has over the centuries been anglicised to Malcolm and the castle has been occupied by the Malcolm family ever since. In 1792 the Malcolm family bought out the Campbell's to become sole owners of the castle.The castle saw major restoration work in the late 18th century and modernisation in 1950s. At the time of writing the castle is the home of Robin Neill Malcolm, the current Chief of the Clan Malcolm.
Duntrune Castle is a private dwelling and not open to the public. Self-catering cottages on the estate are available to rent for those wanting a vacation in the area.
The Ghost
The ghost of Duntrune Castle is a 17th centry piper, part of a Macdonald army led by Coll Ciotach that attempted to seize the castle in 1644. The Macdonalds, wanted information about the castle and its defences, so they sent their piper along in advance. Pipers then were given great respect and treated a little like ambassadors under a flag of truce. In this case the ambassador's real job was to gather intelligence - plus ca change!The Macdonald piper was welcomed at the castle and soon realised that its defences were very strong. Unfortunately he pushed his luck too far. Instead of leaving when he could, he continued to ask questions and eventually aroused the suspicions of his hosts. The piper was locked up as a spy.
The piper had realised by this time that the attack was doomed to failure and that the Macdonald army would be wiped out. The only way he could think of to warn them was by playing a tune on the bagpipes. The tune he chose was apparently "Cholla mo Run, Seachain a Dun" - "Beloved Coll, avoid the castle". Coll Ciotach got the message and called off the attack.
The Macdonald army was saved but their piper doomed. As punishment his hands were cut off at the wrists and his was left to die. His ghost has haunted the castle ever since, playing his lament again and again. There have also been reports of poltergeist activity, especially in the tower room where the piper is said to have been kept.
The tale of the Duntrune Piper was given additional credence when, during renovation, builders found a skeleton without hands.
