Dunadd, (Scottish Gaelic Dùn Add, 'fort on the [River] Add', is an Iron Age and later hillfort near Kilmartin in Argyll and Bute, Scotland and believed to be the capital of the ancient kingdom of Dál Riata.[1]
Description
In the present day, the remains of Dunadd are located a little north of Lochgilphead (NR 836 936). It is a rocky crag that may have been one time an island and now lies inland near the River Add. The surrounding land, now largely reclaimed, was formerly boggy and known as the Mòine Mhòr 'Great Moss' in Gaelic. This no doubt increased the defensive potential of the site.
History
Originally occupied in the Iron Age, the site later became a seat of the kings of Dál Riata[2]. It is known for its unique stone carvings below the upper enclosure, including a footprint and basin thought to have formed part of Dál Riata's coronation ritual. Though it is an assumption only and not attested in contemporary written sources, similarly as the legend saying that Dunadd was the first location of Stone of Scone in Scotland.[3] On the same flat outcrop of rock is an incised boar in Pictish style, and in inscription in the ogham script. The inscription is read as referring to a Finn Manach and is dated to the late 8th century or after.
Dunadd is mentioned twice in early sources. In 683 the Annals of Ulster record: 'The siege of Dunadd and the siege of Dundurn [a hillfort near Loch Earn]' without further comment on the outcome or participants. In the same chronicle the entry for 736 states: 'Óengus son of Fergus, king of the Picts, laid waste the territory of Dál Riata and seized Dunadd, and burned Creic [location unknown] and bound in chains two sons of Selbach king of Dál Riata], i.e. Dúngal and Feredach . .'.[citation needed]
The site was occupied after 736, at least into the 9th century. It is mentioned twice in later sources, suggesting that it retained some importance. In 1436, it is recorded that "Alan son of John Riabhach MacLachlan of Dunadd" was made seneschal of the lands of Glassary; the chief place of residence of the MacLachlans of Dunadd lay below the fort. In June 1506, commissioners appointed by James IV, including the earl and bishop of Argyll, met at Dunadd to collect rents and resolve feuds.[citation needed]
The site is an Ancient Monument, under the care of Historic Scotland, and is open to the public (open all year; no entrance charge).
Excavations
Because Dunadd is mentioned in early sources, and is readily identifiable, it has been excavated on several occasions (1904-05, 1929, 1980) and has one of the most important ensembles of finds from any early medieval site in Scotland. Finds range from the 6th to the 8th centuries, A. D. These include tools, weapons, quernstones, imported pottery and motif-pieces and moulds for the manufacture of fine metalwork (especially jewellery).[4]
Images
A View Of The River From The Summit Of Dunaad
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Dunadd Hillfort - A View From The Summit
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Carved footprint, Dunadd Hillfort
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On site Descriptive Sign and Map
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Pathway carved through rocks near summit
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Mid-level approach up steep slope
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References and Further reading
- Lane, Alan & Campbell, Ewan, Dunadd: An early Dalriadic capital, Oxbow Books, Oxford, 2000. ISBN 1-84217-024-4
- Keay, John & Keay, Julia, Collins Encyclopedia of Scotland, Harper Collins, 1994, ISBN 0002550822
- On site descriptive signage.
Notes
- ^ Keay, J. & J., p. 255
- ^ On site Signage
- ^ Keay, J. & J., p 847
- ^ Keay, J. & J., p. 255.
See also
External links
56°5′9.33″N 5°28′42.55″W / 56.085925°N 5.4784861°W / 56.085925; -5.4784861
