Morton Castle

Morton Castle stands on a high promontory above an artificial loch in the hills of Dumfries and Galloway. It was once part of a chain of fortresses along the Nith Valley, a route from the Solway Firth to the Clyde. The site began as a ditch in the 12th century under Dunegal, Lord of Strathnith. By the early 14th century a stone castle stood here, built by Thomas Randolph, Earl of Moray. The castle was later rebuilt in the 15th century by the earls of March. The castle’s history includes destruction after the Treaty of Berwick in 1357 and burning in 1588 during a conflict with the Maxwells. It served as a hunting lodge in the 17th century before falling into disuse. A dam in the 18th century flooded the marshland, creating the loch that now surrounds the ruins on three sides. The Duke of Buccleuch owns the site, which is maintained by Historic Environment Scotland. Visitors find a triangular ruin with one tall D-plan tower still standing four storeys high. Inside are remains of a pit prison, lord’s lodging with a fine fireplace, and a large first-floor hall. The south range shows grand arched windows, suggesting it was later adapted for comfort rather than defence. The open courtyard to the north once had walls that flanked the marshland. The loch and surrounding hills give the ruins a dramatic setting.