Closeburn Castle

Closeburn Castle is a tower house located in Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland. It is believed to have been built in the late 14th century, although some sources suggest it may be older or newer. The Kirkpatrick family, who were confirmed in their lands of Closeburn in 1232, are believed to have built the castle. Sir Roger de Kirkpatrick, a member of the Kirkpatrick family, was with Robert the Bruce in 1306 and was involved in the murder of John “the Red” Comyn. The Kirkpatrick family moved out of the castle in the 17th century, but it was destroyed by fire in 1748. The family returned to the castle after renovations were made and lived there until it was sold to James Stewart-Menteith in 1783. The castle has since changed hands several times, but it is still used as a dwelling. The tower house is surrounded by a stone walled barmkin with round towers at the corners, and it contains a vaulted basement, a hall, and three upper storeys. Renovations were carried out on the castle in the 19th century, including the addition of a single storey extension and a red sandstone porch.