Dumbarton Castle is enthroned on the 73m high Dumbarton Rock. In its more than 1500-year history it was the scene of many feuds and skirmishes. Of great strategic importance in the Middle Ages, it always remained a suitable vantage point and place of refuge. David II hid here successfully in 1333-34 and Mary Queen of Scots in 1548 before they could flee to safer climes.