CASTLES PAST AND PRESENT
Kirkcudbright Castle once stood near to the banks of the River Dee on the outskirts of the town. It is originally thought to have been built in 1288, when it was reputedly under the care of John Comyn, who would later play a significant role in the Wars of Independence. In turn, Kirkcudbright Castle came under the ownership of King Edward I in the early 1300s, during the Wars of Independence. Edward the Bruce, brother of King Robert, was granted the castle following Edward I’s death, after which there is very little information about the castle, and it fell into disrepair. Only the castle earthworks remain today, but these are extensive and mown to provide a pathway, resulting in a pleasant walk.
The impressive MacLellan’s Castle still dominates Kirkcudbright’s harbourside and stands at the corner of Castle Street and St Cuthbert Street. After the Reformation of 1560, the Convent of Greyfriars was abandoned, and the Provost of Kirkcudbright, Sir Thomas MacLellan, acquired the lands in 1569. Using stone from the convent and the ruins of the old Kirkcudbright Castle, this grand building was completed in 1582. It was not built as a defensive site, although its design did contain pistol holes and gun holes to warn off any enemies or intruders. After the death of Sir Thomas in 1597, the castle fell into disrepair, due to family debts, and eventually came into the care of the State in 1912. The exterior walls of the building still stand largely complete, with the ground floor retaining its vaulted ceilings. The upper floors contain approximately 15 rooms. The Great Hall, on the first floor, features a large fireplace, behind which is a hidden closet, known as a laird’s lug, or ‘lord’s ear’, from which the master of the house could eavesdrop on his guests. Today, the castle is cared for by Historic Environment Scotland and is open to visitors.