Old Lochmaben Castle

Old Lochmaben Castle stands on a narrow strip of land between Loch Kirk and Loch Castle in Lochmaben, Dumfries and Galloway. Built in the 12th century by the de Brus family, it was their main stronghold after Annan Castle was damaged by a flood. The motte and bailey design made it a formidable fortress for centuries. In 1298, King Edward I of England captured the castle and ordered repairs before abandoning it for a new site. The ruins of the old castle remain visible today, marking its strategic importance. The castle’s history reflects the power struggles of medieval Scotland and England. The de Brus family, who later became the Bruces, used it as a base before Robert the Bruce rose to prominence. Edward I’s brief occupation shows how castles changed hands during the Wars of Independence. Though overshadowed by its successor, the old site still tells a story of shifting loyalties and military strategy. Visitors find grassy mounds and crumbling stone walls rising from the marshy ground. The remains stretch along the narrow peninsula, offering a quiet walk between the two lochs. The flat landscape contrasts with the castle’s former strength, now softened by time. A small path winds through the ruins, letting people imagine the wooden palisades and towers that once stood there. The view across the lochs is peaceful, far from the castle’s turbulent past.