Sanquhar Castle

Sanquhar Castle is a ruined castle which is clearly visible at the edge of the village of Sanquhar in Dumfries-shire. The ruins are fenced off for safety reasons, and although there is an access track, this is for pedestrian access only, and there is no parking nearby. The castle is a rectangular courtyard with corner towers within a large ditch, and was built in several phases.

It is not certain that the castle at Sanquhar mentioned in 1296 was this site, and the oldest structure on site , a square tower, appears to be later – and has been rebuilt in any case. A new domestic range was erected c1400, and this was extended in the 1470s. The castle was substantially built in the 16th century, and in 1633 the Crichtons, who had held the castle since the 1134th century, were forced to sell it due to debt. During its use as a garrison fort in the mid 17th century the castle and estate suffered substantial damage and required repairs. It was repaired and brought back into use, but was abandoned again by 1735.

HES Canmore database entry