Earlston Castle

Earlston Castle is a residential tower house with an L-shaped plan located in Dumfries and Galloway. The structure rises three stories plus an attic, combining a main block with a stair wing built from greywacke stone with sandstone accents.

The estate belonged to Sir John Sinclair of Herdmanston in 1472 before passing to the Gordons in 1601. The family subsequently added Renaissance features that shaped the building's later development.

The castle appears in S.R. Crockett's 1895 novel 'Men of the Moss Hags', which tells the story of the Gordon family. This literary connection has made the place part of local storytelling tradition.

The main entrance leads to a lobby connecting two barrel-vaulted cellars and a spiral staircase system. This staircase provides access to all upper levels of the building.

The castle lacks typical defensive features found in structures of its era, with no gun loops, protective turrets, or parapets visible. This absence makes it an unusual example of a residential building from the 1600s.

Location: Dumfries and Galloway

Location: Dalry

GPS coordinates: 55.13110,-4.17751

Latest update: December 9, 2025 12:20