THIS stunning castle, which is said to have a "commanding presence", was once home to "Scotland's uncrowned King".
Duone Castle, which may be familiar to some of you thanks to its roles in films and TV shows like Monty Python and the Holy Grail and Game of Thrones, was, at one time, the most important place in the whole of the country.
Doune was acquired by Robert Stewart, the 1st Duke of Albany and Governor of Scotland, in 1361 when he married Margaret Graham, Countess of Menteith.
The major magnate, who was the younger brother of the "politically weak and physically infirm" Robert III, would project power from the castle when he became the "effective" ruler of Scotland.
Doune Castle was once home to 'Scotland's uncrowned King'
He would effectively rule the kingdom, with the exception of a couple of years, from 1386 until his death in 1420.
When the future king, James I, was taken prisoner in England in 1406, Albany was left as both Governor and Guardian of Scotland.
However, Doune Castle would only officially become a royal retreat after the death of Albany and the execution of his son Murdoch by the returning James I in 1424.
Doune’s role as royal retreat effectively came to an end in 1603, when James VI left for London to become James I of England.
According to Historic Environment Scotland (HES), the site was "built to impress", with even the castle in its ruined state inspiring "awe" in visitors.
Highlighting what makes the castle so special, Senior Cultural Significance Advisor at HES, Nicki Scott, said: "While it obviously wasn't fully built by Robert, having earlier aspects surviving from the 1200s, it is, largely as you see it today, the product of Robert Stewart's building and reconstruction of the castle.
"It gives an immense sense of what someone of his status would be looking to do, and that puts it on par with castles like Bothwell."
She said that all castles have something "unique" about them, adding: "Castles are not cookie-cutter estates the way our modern housing estates are."
The thing that makes Doune Castle stand out is the fact that very little modernisation has taken place over the centuries, making it "slightly easier to imagine the grandeur that goes along with it" as well as what life here would have been like.
As mentioned before, the fortress has been a popular filming location, with it making appearances as Winterfell in Game of Thrones, as a keep in an infamous scene from Monty Python and the Holy Grail, and in programmes like Outlander.
Nicki added: "It gives something really visually lovely, which filmmakers are also looking for, but I think most importantly, it has roots and power."
She said that over her many years working with filmmakers across Historic Environment Scotland sites, having a dry indoor space in an authentic medieval castle is also a desired combination.
According to Nicki, when Outlander first came to film, the producers were really keen to have the authenticity that comes from having an actual castle without needing to use too many digital effects.
The location has received particular praise on Tripadvisor, where visitors have given it a 4.5/5 out of 2,543 reviews.
One person said: "A wonderful day out for the whole family. A well-preserved castle, steeped in history.
"Would recommend wearing suitable footwear as some of the steps are uneven. Great for fans of Outlander and Monty Python."
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Another added: "Doune Castle is a must-visit for anyone with even a passing interest in Scottish history or cult TV and film!
"Tucked along the banks of the River Teith, this medieval fortress rises from the greenery with commanding presence.
"The stone walls are thick with stories, and as you walk beneath the arched entrance, it feels like stepping through a time portal."
