Mote of Urr

The Mote of Urr is commonly interpreted as a massive earthwork castle of the 12th century, but it is in fact a large ditched motte set within an earlier structure. It is fenced off and within a field used by livestock, but access is well signed via gates even if the farmer is anecdotally sometimes reluctant to allow visitors. There is a dedicated, if poorly maintained, parking space.

The mote was built in the mid 12th century and destroyed before being rebuilt to a greater height. It was fortified in wood, and archaeology has shown that it was unoccupied after the early 14th century. The dates are consistent with destruction during the Galwegian civil war of 1161-1185, and Urr was granted to the Balliols before 1200. Soon after a new castle was founded at Buittle, but the Mote remained in use – at least to a lesser extent – after this date. The outer enclosure with impressive perimeter banks, is probably earlier in origin, but archaeology has not focussed on this area, which remains undated.

HES Canmore database entry