Dalswinton Castle

Dalswinton Castle stands in Dumfries and Galloway, south-east of the village of Dalswinton. It was once known as Comyn’s Castle after the Comyn family of Badenoch who owned it in the 13th century. A castle has been recorded on the site since 1250, long before the stone ruins visible today. In 1301 English forces captured the castle and installed John de Botetourt as constable. During Edward Bruce’s campaign in Galloway between 1308 and 1309 the castle remained under English control. The castle changed hands again in early 1313 when Scottish forces retook it. By the 17th century a new House of Dalswinton had been built nearby and the old castle fell out of use. Its remains were still standing until after 1792 when they appear to have been demolished. Today only grassy mounds mark the site where the castle once stood. Visitors find a quiet field with low earthworks where walls once rose. A footpath crosses the field, giving views across the surrounding farmland. The site is easy to reach from Dalswinton village along a minor road. There are no signs or fences, just open ground where the castle’s history can be imagined. The peaceful setting contrasts with the turbulent events that once took place here.