Morton Castle, Scotland

Morton Castle, is a 14th century hall-house.

Possibly as early as the 1260s a castle existed on this site. The Treaty of Berwick in 1357, which secured the release of David II, also required the Scots to destroy 13 castles in Nithsdale, including Morton. it is unlikely any of the original castle remains.

The lands of Morton passed to the earls of March, who built 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.

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 the Maxwell family. 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 4th earl's attainder having been reversed.

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.

The site is open to the public. The castle is in a field that contains livestock. There are no facilities at the site (except for limited parking).

Opening Times

Any reasonable time.

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Ticket Prices

Access is free.

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Disabled Facilities

Not suitable for wheelchairs.

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