Morton Castle

Morton Castle Details

Morton Castle, a ruined C13 courtyard castle of the Randolphs and later of the Douglases, largely rebuilt C15 and abandoned C18.

  • Closest To: Carronbridge, Thornhill
  • Access: Free Public Access
  • Grid Reference: NX891992

Morton Castle is sadly overlooked as it is a beautifully sited and well-preserved courtyard castle of the 13th and 14th century. Public access is straightforward, although the access road is quite narrow in places, and at the time of writing the castle is surrounded by safety fencing. It was a seat of the Lordship of Nithsdale, probably held by a subsidiary branch of the Lords of Galloway and then the Adair family until it was granted to the Randolphs.

The castle occupies a triangular promontory, and although the earlier castle is largely gone, the ruins of an interesting hall block with accompanying gatehouse can still be seen. The castle was slighted in the mid 14th century, but parts have undoubtedly also fallen down the steep slopes. It was repaired by the Douglases in the late 14th or early 15th century and used as a hunting seat by their kin, the Douglases of Drumlanrig. It was abandoned by 1714.

Official Historic Scotland page

HES Canmore database entry

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