Boghall Castle, Medieval castle ruins in Biggar, Scotland.
Boghall Castle is a medieval fortress in Biggar built where the Tweed and Clyde valleys meet, with foundations showing two D-shaped towers and reinforced walls. The surviving north-west tower and stair tower sections remain visible today, and a model display at the nearby Moat Park Heritage Centre in town shows how the building once looked.
The fortress was built in the 14th century by the Fleming family to replace an earlier defensive structure. Notable historical figures later visited the site, including King Edward II of England in 1310 and Mary Queen of Scots during her travels in 1565.
The fortress served as a display of power for the families who ruled this valley, positioned where two rivers met to control movement and trade. Its two towers were visible from far away, marking the authority of those who lived within.
The ruins are spread across the site and can be somewhat difficult to navigate on foot, as they sit directly in the landscape without clear paths. A visit to the Moat Park Heritage Centre in town first helps you understand the layout and history before exploring the actual remains.
The fortress relied on water-filled moats and swampy ground surrounding it as natural defenses, accessible only by a stone bridge through a gatehouse. This clever use of the landscape as a shield shows how builders took advantage of the difficult terrain to strengthen their position.
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