Cardoness Castle

Cardoness Castle is an impressive great tower and possible associated courtyard complex built on a prominent hill overlooking the Water of Fleet near the sea, and is clearly visible from the A75. It is managed by Historic Environment Scotland, and open to the paying public.

The Cardoness family who are the earliest occupants of the lands, were probably supporters of the Balliols during the Wars of Independence, and disappear from the records at this time. Instead, they were in the hands of King David II in 1342, when he granted the lands to Malcolm Fleming who he created Earl of Wigtown. By 1466 the lands were held by Gilbert MacCulloch, who had probably acquired the lands shortly after the downfall of the Black Douglases, who had purchased the Wigtown earldom from Fleming’s son. The MacCullochs held Cardoness until 1668, when it was abandoned after the execution of the last laird.

The tower dates to the mid 15th century, and although it is often said that it was built by the MacCullochs, there are similarities with Threave suggesting that in fact it may be a Douglas great tower. The entrance on the ground floor leads to a double height vault, above which are two floors of accommodation, and there are multiple mural chambers on all floors. The narrow winding staircase is within the thickness of the wall in one corner serving all floors. The courtyard complex is presumed rather than confirmed, with landscaping and a retaining wall making clarity somewhat tricky, but there is sufficient room for a walled courtyard generally to the south of the tower.

Official Historic Scotland page

HES Canmore database entry