Douglas Castle, Medieval castle in South Lanarkshire, Scotland
Douglas Castle is the remains of a medieval fortress in South Lanarkshire, with only a corner tower surviving on elevated ground. The site shows the footprint of what was once a large fortified residence that developed over many centuries.
The original castle was built before 1288 and later captured by English forces in 1307. Sir James Douglas led a significant military recovery of the fortress, after which it remained a family seat for generations.
The castle was the ancestral home of the Douglas family, whose name remains woven into the region's identity today. Walking through the site, you sense the enduring connection between this structure and local heritage.
The site is a protected historic building that requires advance permission to visit. Contact local authorities beforehand to arrange access and learn about the best times to see the remains.
Coal mining in the 1930s caused severe damage to the site and destroyed the main building, leaving only the corner tower standing. Today, this solitary ruin serves as a reminder of how industrial activity reshaped the landscape.
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