Morton Castle

Morton Castle stands beside an artificial loch a few miles north-east of Thornhill, once part of a chain of strongholds guarding the Nith valley between the Solway Firth and the Clyde. A castle existed on the site by 1307, and possibly earlier, when the surrounding lands were held by Thomas Randolph under Robert the Bruce. Scholars still debate whether the surviving walls belong to that first fortress or to a rebuilding by the earls of March in the early fifteenth century. The plan is triangular, echoing nearby Caerlaverock, with twin D-shaped gatehouse towers at its south-western angle. One tower survives to four storeys, a pit prison beneath and the lord’s lodging, with handsome fireplaces, above. Large arched windows and few arrow loops along the south range suggest the castle served more as a hunting lodge than a purely defensive keep. Ownership passed through the Douglas family, and the fourth Earl of Morton was executed in 1580 for alleged involvement in the murder of Lord Darnley. The building was at least partly occupied until 1714 before abandonment and stone-robbing left it a ruin. It now belongs to the Duke of Buccleuch and is cared for by Historic Environment Scotland.