Loch Doon Castle

Loch Doon Castle is unique in that it has been painstakingly demolished and rebuilt in a new location. Originally, this small 13th century multangular courtyard castle was on a small island in the adjacent loch, but when the decision was made to convert the loch into a reservoir in the 1930s, raising the lake level some distance, the castle was relocated from the island to the shore, although the top of the island can still be seen in dry weather. It is possible to park adjacent, but it’s a long drive down a narrow lane!

The castle was one of the principal castles of the Bruces as earls of Carrick, and was captured and held for both sides during the Wars of Independence. As a royal castle it was held by the Kennedies as heritable keepers, but they were ejected in 1446 and 1510. The castle may have been destroyed in the 16th century by agents of the king to keep order in the area, but the exact destruction date is unknown. It was never brought back into use.

Official Historic Scotland page

HES Canmore database entry