Mains Castle

The Mains Castle, located in Dundee, Scotland, is an impressive 16th–century castle that has stood the test of time. This beautiful castle has been standing for centuries, and has been home to many families throughout its history. The castle has a large square tower house with dressed cornerstones, which is typical of 16th–century construction. The northern and eastern buildings are where the family who lived there would have lived, and the servants quarters were in the southern buildings. The castle is surrounded by a courtyard. The castle and its grounds have been the subject of a poem by Dundee poet William McGonagall, called The Castle of Mains. It was built in 1562 by Sir David Graham, nephew of Cardinal Beaton, and a keystone in the western gateway bears this date and the initials DG and DMO for David Graham and Dame Margaret Ogilvy. The castle has been owned by many families throughout its history, including the Grahams of Fintry, the Erskines, and James Key Caird. Caird gifted the castle and its lands to the town council as a site for a public park in 1913, which was later opened in 1923. The castle was renovated in the 1980s through  a government scheme for the unemployed, as many of the buildings had become roofless. The Mains Castle is a great example of 16th–century architecture and a testament to the history of Dundee. It is a Category A listed building, and the park is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike. Whether you want to explore the castle and its grounds, or simply enjoy the beautiful views from the courtyard, the Mains Castle is a must–visit destination for anyone interested in Scottish history.