Panmure Castle

The ruins of Panmure Castle sit on top of a steep river bank within the private grounds of Panmure House and can only be accessed on foot via a lengthy walk. Lying behind a tall rampart and wet moat of later date (and presumably built to counter artillery), the castle ruins are those of a quadrangular walled courtyard with square corner towers reminiscent of the 13th century royal castles at Kincardine and Kinclaven – and indeed it is Sir Peter Maule who supposedly built this castle in the mid 13th century.

The castle is not strongly sited really, but was repeatedly sacked during the Wars of Independence. It may never have been brought properly back into use, since “old ruins” are mentioned in association with the site as early as 1565, and this does not correspond to damaged buildings following the 1547 siege. A new house was developed during the 17th century and the old castle left as a picturesque ruin. Signage is up declaring the paths as not open to the public, but the area is regularly used by dog walkers.

HES Canmore database entry