Dunaverty Castle (10)
In the early 13th century, one of the most prominent figures in Europe, was Hákon Hákonarson, King of Norway.  Mostly remembered in Scotland for losing the Battle of Largs in 1263, his true historical significance is better illustrated by the fact that he was at different times offered the imperial crown by the pope, the High Kingship of Ireland by a delegation of Irish kings, and the command of the French crusader fleet by the French king.  

Here in Western Scotland, Haakon sought to uphold Norwegian sovereignty over the Hebridean islands (and the Isle of Mann), as well as the Orkney and Shetland islands, ruled by his vassal, the Earl of Orkney.  The Kings of Scots had other ideas!   Alexander II claimed the Hebrides and asked to buy the islands from Norway, but Haakon staunchly rejected the proposal.  Following Alexander II's death, his son Alexander III continued and stepped up his father's policy by sending an embassy to Norway in 1261, and thereafter attacking the Hebrides.  

Haakon learned in 1262 that Scottish nobles had raided the Hebrides and that Alexander III planned to conquer the islands.  In 1263 Haakon mounted an expedition with a fleet of at least 120 ships.  He had become accustomed to negotiating while backed by an intimidating fleet!  

Dunaverty was garrisoned by Alexander III, however it was eventually surrendered to the Norwegian king, who in turn granted it to Dubhghall mac Ruaidhrí, one of his steadfast Hebridean supporters.  However, following the Battle of Largs and the resulting evaporation of Norwegian sovereignty in the Hebrides, Alexander III appears to have retaken the castle.
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