The Secret Scotland - Castles
Dumfries & Galloway because of its situation as the frontier between Scotland and England and its distance from both parliaments was at times lawless. Clan loyalty was more important than what side of the border you were born and in some places it was debatable where the Border was. Today there are a plenty of castles/tower houses in various states of ruin - a number of which are still in use. These are just a few to whet your appetite.

Threave Castle

Threave Castle (Historic Scotland) Situated on a island in the river Dee. The boat is taken to reach the 14th century tower built by Archibald the Grim, Lord of Galloway, who was given his name by the English "the Grim" for "his terrible countenance in warfare". The castle is highly fortified and was layed siege to on at least two occasions. In more peaceful times the area round the castle has become a good bird watching area. Otters are also regularly seen in this area, if your quiet, ducking and diving there way down river. 3 miles west of Castle Douglas.

Caerlaverock Castle

Caerlaverock Castle (Historic Scotland) This is one of the finest castles in Scotland. There is an earlier castle but not much remains. Owned by the Maxwell family it was layed siege to in 1300 by Edward I of England (Hammer of the Scots) who went on to invade Galloway and tried to bring the area under his control without much success. During the summer, re-enactment groups usually stage battles with Caerlaverock as a backdrop giving a good impression of what life was like. 8 miles south of Dumfries.

MacLellan's Castle

MacLellan's Castle (Historic Scotland) Situated in the center of Kirkcudbright. Built around the 1570s it was more of a fortified house with some luxuries - but still with the usual defensive features and an interesting little spy hole behind one of the fires. The castle being in the centre of Kirkcudbright gives the visitor plenty to see and do.

Morton Castle

Morton Castle (Historic Scotland) Standing on a promontory over the loch and with the back drop of the rolling southern Lowther Hills it looks quite impressive. Usually herons, moorhens and swans can be seen in amongest the reeds feeding. Little is known of the history other than the fact that it was more of a residential house than a castle but there is supposed to be a ghostly horse and carraige that drives out on a dark night. 3 miles east of Thornhill

Orchardton Tower

Orchardton Tower (Historic Scotland) A unique round tower which sits in some beautiful countryside with Screel Hill as a back drop. In the summer, not far away at Palnackie on the Solway coast, they hold the World Flounder Trampling competition. Its a messy business feeling about in the mud of the Solway Firth with your feet, a great day out for the kids. 3 to 4 miles south west from Dalbeattie.

Cardoness Castle

Cardoness Castle (Historic Scotland) A 15th century tower house overlooking Fleet Bay and home of the McCullochs. The McCullochs were a wild bunch constantly feuding and causing trouble so it's a bit of a surprise that this tower house should be in such good condition and still retain a number of impressive features. 1 mile south west of Gatehouse of Fleet.