Tibbers Castle

Tibbers Castle is a much overgrown and little-visited courtyard castle of the 13th century built on a prominent hill to the south of Drumlanrig Castle in Dumfries-shire. Although the site was subject to significant archaeology, and provided with some timber access steps, it is neglected and badly overgrown, making interpretation difficult. It is also not signposted for visitors.

The castle was built in a series of enclosures along the hill, slowly increasing in height. The main enclosure, which is the highest, consists of a stone courtyard wall behind a defensive ditch, and the wall over the ditch is provided with three round towers. At the far end are two further round corner towers. This courtyard is roughly rectangular, and footings of several buildings can be made out within, including the great hall and the kitchens. It was built or rebuilt in 1298 at the instruction of Edward I, and served as an important base for his occupation of Scotland. It was probably slighted by Thomas Randolph, Robert Bruce’s lieutenant around 1312/13 and does not appear to have been brought back into use.

HES Canmore database entry
Castle Studies Group report on Tibbers Castle