Torthorwald Castle and Cruck Cottage

Torthorwald Castle is located in the a village of Torthorwald about four miles east from Dumfries (Scottish Gaelic: Dùn Phris) on the A709 road in south west Scotland. It is thought the present castle structure was built in the 14th century possibly on top of an earlier motte and bailey castle dating from the 12th century. The basement and first floor hall of this tower are vaulted. In one corner is a turnpike stair that leads to the upper floors. 

There is a good description of Torthorwald Castle/Tower on the website of the Cruck Cottage Heritage Association. When visiting Torthorwald village it is also well worth visiting Cruck Cottage. The Cruck Cottage, Shieldhill Road, Torthorwald, was originally constructed in about the mid-18th century. This unique thatched cottage is owned by Solway Heritage and is maintained and run by the Cruck Cottage Heritage Association to which there is a link below. They do a magnificent job in maintaining the cottage in its present condition and have plans to further develop the cottage as a local heritage centre, with displays of relevant artefacts, documents and pictures.

Image: Torthorwald Castle by Francis Grose (1731 - 1791).

Link: Cruck Cottage Heritage Association