Morton Castle, Medieval castle in Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland.
Morton Castle stands on a triangular promontory with steep drops overlooking an artificial loch formed by an 18th-century dam. The fortification retains a four-story D-plan tower with a pit prison and an elaborate fireplace in the former lord's chambers.
The original fortress from the 12th century belonged to Dunegal of Nithsdale before Thomas Randolph received the estate from Robert Bruce in 1307. This transfer marked an important shift in local power during the Scottish Wars of Independence.
The castle displays a rare Scottish hall-house design with twin gatehouses, with architectural elements that match those seen at Caerlaverock. Visitors can observe these design features in the surviving structures today.
The remote location requires driving through narrow roads from the A702 at Carronbridge, with limited signage guiding visitors to the castle grounds. Plan ahead with maps or GPS navigation and allow extra time to locate the access route.
The four-story D-plan tower structure contains an underground pit prison, demonstrating how rulers kept captives confined. This rare surviving dungeon offers insights into medieval punishment and security practices.
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