Robbing the Bruce
Castle under siege again... from scrap metal gang
DURING a long and bloody history it has been threatened by Norsemen, torched by royalists and besieged by no less a figure than Robert the Bruce himself.
But the proud ruins of Dunstaffnage Castle, overlooking the sea near Oban, Argyll, have now come under attack from a new enemy.
For scrap metal thieves have broken through the defences and looted the 13th century stronghold.
In a late-night raid, heavy-duty bronze fixings securing a safety hand rail on the battlements walkway were removed.
It is believed the raiders used a stolen key to gain access as there was no sign of forced entry.
Before removing the bronze fixing screws the metal rails were cut, probably with an industrial saw.
As a result Historic Scotland, the castle’s owner, has closed the walkway to the public.
A Historic Scotland spokesman said: ‘An incident took place at Dunstaffnage Castle earlier this year where entry was gained to the site outwith opening hours and a number of bronze screws were forcibly removed from a public safety barrier on the castle’s wall walkway.
‘The hand rail and safety barrier, which is in place for the safety of our visitors, is no longer secure as a result of these actions and this area of the castle will unfortunately continue to remain closed to visitors until repairs can be carried out in the coming weeks.
‘Whilst infrequent, sadly occasional incidents do occur and this incident is currently being investigated by the police.’
Bronze, which does not rust, is the most valuable non-precious metal, with scrap dealers willing to pay more than £3,000 a ton.
Police Scotland confirmed enquiries are ongoing and asked anyone with information to contact them.
According to Historic Scotland, more than 40 items – valued at £25,000 – have been taken from its properties across Scotland over the past five years.
National Trust for Scotland properties have also been targeted by metal thieves. A spokesman said: ‘In the last year we have experienced a handful of metal thefts or attempted thefts at properties.
‘These incidents divert our charity’s limited resources away from our vital conservation work.’
Sitting atop a volcanic rock overlooking the Firth of Lorne, Dunstaffnage is one of the oldest stone castles in Scotland.
It was built around 1220 by ‘King of the Isles’ Duncan MacDougall, who came under attack from his brother Uspak backed by an army of Norsemen.
In the early 1300s, Robert the Bruce is said to have defeated the Clan MacDougall at the Battle of the Pass of Brander and after a brief siege, took Dunstaffnage.
In the late 1600s the castle was burned by royalist troops.