Kirkcudbright Castle

Kirkcudbright Castle stands on the banks of the River Dee in the town of Kirkcudbright, in Dumfries and Galloway. A motte and bailey castle was built there in the 12th century. This was replaced in the 13th century by a new castle to the south-west. The Comyn family once owned the site before it passed to King Edward I of England. Sir Walter de Corrie became governor in 1291, followed by Richard Siward the next year. King Edward I stayed at the castle in 1300 during his campaigns in Scotland. King Robert the Bruce captured it after 1313 and the structure appears to have been demolished soon after. The castle’s ruins remain a visible reminder of these turbulent years. Its position beside the river would once have given it a strong defensive position. Visitors today see grassy mounds and low stone remains on a small rise above the riverbank. The outline of the old walls can still be traced. The site is quiet, with only the sound of water and occasional footsteps on the path. A few information boards explain what once stood here. The view across the Dee shows why the spot was chosen long ago.