Dunadd (Scottish Gaelic Dún Ad, "fort on the [River] Add", Old Irish Dún Att) is a hillfort in Argyll and Bute, Scotland, dating from the Iron Age and early medieval period and is believed to be the capital of the ancient kingdom of Dál Riata. Dal Riata was a Gaelic kingdom spanning the northern Irish coast to Argyll and the Scottish islands in the early centuries AD, possibly after the Romans had abandoned Southern Britain and at the time when the Anglo-Saxons were crossing the North Sea to counter incursions over Hadrian's Wall by the Picts and Dalriadan Scots.
Description
Dunadd is a rocky crag that may have been one time an island and now lies inland near the River Add, from which it takes its name, a little north of Lochgilphead (NR 836 936). The surrounding land, now largely reclaimed, was formerly boggy and known as the Mòine Mhòr ("Great Moor") in Gaelic. This no doubt increased the defensive potential of the site. Detailed analysis of sea-level changes in the region argue that the Dun was an island or promontory into historic times, and that receding sea levels left the fortification open to siege and seizure in the 6th to 7th centuries.
History
thumb|Pictish boar carving in rock near the top of the hill.|alt=Boar carving in rock near top of the hill fort.
Originally occupied in the Iron Age, the site later became a seat of the kings of Dál Riata. 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. On the same flat outcrop of rock is an incised boar in Pictish style, and an 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.
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.
Excavations
Because Dunadd is mentioned in early sources, and is readily identifiable, it has been excavated on several occasions (1904–1905, 1929, and 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 AD. These include tools, weapons, quernstones, imported pottery and motif-pieces and moulds for the manufacture of fine metalwork (especially jewellery).
In fiction
In Rosemary Sutcliff's 1965 novel The Mark of the Horse Lord the Dal Riada undergo an internal struggle for control of royal succession, with Dun Monaidh central to the conflict, including a depiction of royal coronation and use of carved footprint. Dunadd is the location for Claire R. McDougall's novel "Veil of Time," in which a modern-day woman is transported back to Dunadd's heyday in the 8th century. All the features of Dunadd, including the footprint, the boar, the well and the tumble down ruins are features of the story, as are the modern farm and cottages . Other ancient sites in the Kilmartin Valley also play a part in the narrative.
Files
<gallery>
File:The Footprint of Fealty, Dunadd Fort - geograph.org.uk - 940508.jpg|Footprint of Fealty
File:Dunadd Fort Basin and Footprint.png|Dunadd Fort Basin and Footprint, in Kilmichael Glassary in Argyll and Bute, Scotland
File:ViewFromDunadd2-HypeNapungra.jpg|A View Of The River From The Summit Of Dunadd
File:Dunadd Fort Climb.jpg|Extended view reverse of climb to top of Dunadd Fort
File:ViewFromDunadd1-Scotland-HypeNapungra.jpg|A View From Atop Dunadd
File:Scotland Dunadd.jpg|Dunadd Hillfort - A View From The Summit
File:Dunadd-Hillfort-DescriptiveAndMap.jpg|On site Descriptive Sign and Map
File:Dunadd-Hillfort-CarvedPathway.JPG|Pathway carved through rocks near summit
File:Dunadd-Hillfort-MidlevelApproach.JPG|Mid-level approach up steep slope
</gallery>
See also
- Petrosomatoglyph