Sanquhar Castle

Sanquhar Castle is located close to the village of Sanquhar, Dumfires and Galloway (Scottish Gaelic: Seanchair, Dùn Phrìs is Gall-Ghaidhealaibh) in south west Scotland. The castle, now in ruins, was built by the Crichton family in the 13th century. To the west of the castle is the River Nith (Scottish Gaelic: Abhainn Nid) and to the north is a burn. The remainder of the boundary of the fortress is protected by a deep ditch. During its existence it has had some famous visitors including Robert the Bruce, William Wallace, Edward I, Mary Queen of Scots, and James VI.  A number of construction periods have been identified since the castle was originally built. The building began to fall into ruin from the mid 17th century. However, from  1895 to 1900 some reconstruction was started when it was purchased by John Crichton-Stuart, 3rd Marquess of Bute. The work ended upon his death in 1900.  

The following description of the site is given in CANMORE the online catalogue to Scotland's archaeology, buildings, industrial and maritime heritage:  "Five building periods are traceable, starting with the late 14th century tower in the S, which has been restored and stands four storeys high. The NE curtain wall was built about 1400; the NW wall, tower house and drum tower were built about 1450. The W range of courtyard buildings dates to the 16th century. In front of the main castle is a large, trapezoidal outer court some 77ft by 118ft, enclosed by a 17th century rubble wall, with minor buildings against it on the NW and NE sides." The castle is situated on the southern edge of Sanquhar in Dumfries and Galloway which is on the A76 north from Dumfries. The castle is also on the Southern Upland Way.

Image: Sanquhar Castle image is by Francis Grose (c.11 June 1731 – 12 June 1791). In 1788 he began the first of a number of tours of Scotland in order to produce The Antiquities of Scotland where he recorded a number of sites with drawings.