Morton Castle is located by an artificial loch in the hills above Nithsdale, in Dumfries and Galloway. In the 12th century, the honour of Morton was a possession of Dunegal, Lord of Strathnith (Nithsdale). A ditch to the south of the castle is thought to date from this period, although it may be natural. During the reign of Robert the Bruce the lands of Morton were held by Thomas Randolph, later the first Earl of Moray. By 1307, and possibly as early as the 1260s, a castle had been constructed here, on a high defensible promontory surrounded by marshland. Randolph also constructed an enclosed deer park nearby.

The Treaty of Berwick in 1357, which secured the release of David II, also required the Scots to destroy thirteen castles in Nithsdale, including Morton. It is not clear how much, if any, of the original castle remains. The lands of Morton passed to the earls of March, who probably built (or rebuilt) the existing castle in the early 15th century.

In the mid 15th century the lands were given by James II of Scotland to James Douglas of Dalkeith, later Earl of Morton (although the earldom is named for another Morton in Lothian). The fourth earl of Morton was executed in 1580 for his alleged part in the murder of Lord Darnley, and Morton Castle, together with the earldom, briefly passed to John Maxwell, 7th Lord Maxwell, and grandson of the third earl. However, in 1588, James VI led an expedition against the Catholic Maxwells. Morton Castle was taken and burned, and returned to the Earls of Morton, the fourth earl's attainder having been reversed.

In 1608 the castle was sold to William Douglas of Coshogle, who sold it in turn to William Douglas of Drumlanrig (later the first Earl of Queensberry) ten years later. The castle was at least partially occupied until 1714, probably serving as a hunting lodge rather than a dwelling. A dam was constructed in the 18th century to flood the marshland, creating the artificial loch which now surrounds the castle on three sides.

Following its abandonment in the 18th century, much stone was carried off until the 1890s when some repairs were carried out. It is now the property of the Duke of Buccleuch, and is cared for by Historic Environment Scotland. Morton Castle is a Scheduled Ancient Monument.

Architecture

Architecturally the castle bears some resemblance to Caerlaverock Castle, being triangular in plan, with similar twin gatehouses at the south-west corner. One of the two D-plan towers still stands to four storeys, and has a pit prison below. Above this were several rooms which probably served as the lord's lodging, as suggested by an elaborate fireplace in one room. Only the foundation of the second gate tower remains. The gate originally had a portcullis, and a turning bridge over a pit.

This high level of defensive architecture contrasts with the main range of buildings across the south of the castle. Here, large, fine arched windows and a lack of arrow loops suggest that this range was either built or remodelled as a hunting lodge. The long two-storey block had a large first-floor hall, with basement rooms below. At the east end, a private room opened off the hall, connecting to rooms in the round south-east tower.

To the north, the walls which flanked the edges of the marshland have been removed, leaving the former courtyard open.

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Founded: 15th century
Category: Castles and fortifications in United Kingdom

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en.wikipedia.org

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User Reviews

Mick B (27 days ago)
Lovely spot. Well worth the walk. I visited early evening in September and only saw two other people.
Daniel DRoza (36 days ago)
Looked like a nice castle. Visited summer 2024, and I would not recommend visiting by car (especially if it has low ground clearance) because the roads around there are terrible. In the end, we couldn't even leave the car to look at the castle as we may have driven over a wasp nest or something while trying to park then the car got swarmed so then we had to leave to get rid of the wasps.
Katherine Edgar (2 months ago)
Love it here, it's a favourite for my girls ??, beautiful walks, stunning castle and loch. Wildlife. Perfect. You've got a rough road driving up to it, and if in a small car you may fall in ?, but really worth it and fine If you take it slow.
Cinnder (5 months ago)
A nice small ruin in an outstanding remote setting with an accompanying nature walk that has spectacular views.
Charmaine Howard (6 months ago)
Discover one of Scotland’s most enigmatic castles. A rare hall-house standing in a location as breathtaking as it is remote. It’s one of only a few surviving hall-houses that have been identified, and by far the most complex. It retains some of its original impressive presence, and carries a real sense of discovery. Resting atop a hill with steep drops to an artificial loch; this hall-house does not disappoint. The Loch thrives with life and the crys of the geese, ducks, sheep and the pounding of the woodpecker only add to the surrealism. Enjoy the stunning views of the hall-house, Loch and mountains as you walk the Morton heritage and nature trail? There is no real parking area, so o e has to park on the sides of the T junction at the entrance, ensuring you are not blocking the road; space for about 3, max 4 cars.you would of passed two poles with white tips, those lead you down to the boat house.
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