Dunadd is one of the most famous historic sites in Scotland.
By tradition it was the capital of the early Scottish kingdom of Dalriada,
founded by Fergus Mor in about AD 500, and the probable site where their
kings were inaugurated.
It is a complete fortification, defended by four lines of walling on different
levels. These structures appear to have been built between about about AD 500
and 1000. Objects found in excavations show that the site was particularly
important around AD 500. It was a centre for fine metal working.
The main approach is up a rocky defile to the lowest terrace which has a well-defined
wall. Near the north end is a solidly-built wall. Above this level the walls
are more ruinous. THe most remarkable feature is a series of carvings on a
rock slab near the summit. There is the figure of a boar, the outline of a
footprint, a rock-cut basin and several lines of ogam inscription in an unknown
language. The basin and footprint may have been used in the inauguration of
the kings of Dalriada.
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Picture size:
700 x 525
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