Castles of Clan Bruce
Lochmaben Castle
Lochmaben Castle, in Dumfries & Galloway, was a principal seat of the Bruce Lords of Annandale from the 13th century. It was originally a motte-and-bailey structure and later expanded by the English during the Wars of Independence. Robert the Bruce reclaimed it after Bannockburn and used it to secure the southwest. The castle remained a royal fortress until the 17th century. Today, its substantial earthworks and partial stone walls are preserved as a scheduled monument.
Turnberry Castle
Turnberry Castle, in South Ayrshire, came into Bruce hands through the marriage of Robert de Brus, Lord of Annandale, to Marjorie, Countess of Carrick. Their son, Robert the Bruce, was likely born here around 1274. The site was a major coastal stronghold until Robert ordered its destruction in 1310 to prevent its use by enemies. Little remains today beyond the ruined foundations and cliffside walls. The site is marked near the Turnberry lighthouse.
Clackmannan Tower
Clackmannan Tower, in Clackmannanshire, was built in the 14th century by Sir Robert Bruce of Clackmannan, a cousin of King Robert the Bruce. The Bruce family held the tower for over 400 years. It features a tall rectangular keep with battlements and is one of the best-preserved Bruce residences. The last occupant, Lady Catherine Bruce, famously dubbed poet Robert Burns with the Bruce family sword. The tower is now a scheduled monument.
Airth Castle
Airth Castle, near Falkirk, came into Bruce hands through the marriage of Edward Bruce of Clackmannan to Agnes of Airth. The castle includes a medieval tower, later expanded into a Renaissance mansion. It remained in Bruce hands until the 17th century and was associated with royal service and court influence. The castle is now a hotel (currently closed) and retains many historic features. Legends of ghosts and Jacobite intrigue add to its character.
Fingask Castle
Fingask Castle, in Perthshire, was held by the Bruces of Fingask from the 1400s until the late 1600s. The family descended from the Clackmannan line and supported the Stuart cause during the Jacobite risings. The castle features a tower and 17th-century wings surrounded by formal gardens. It remains privately owned and is used for events. The Bruce arms are still displayed over the entrance.
Muness Castle
Muness Castle, on the island of Unst in Shetland, was built in 1598 by Laurence Bruce, a sheriff descended from the Bruces of Cultmalindie. It is the northernmost castle in Britain and was attacked by pirates in the 17th century. The structure includes a tall main block and rounded corner towers. Although roofless, its barrel-vaulted basement and thick walls remain impressive. It is maintained by Historic Environment Scotland.
Culross Palace
Culross Palace, in Fife, was built by Sir George Bruce of Carnock between 1597 and 1611. A wealthy merchant and cousin of the Bruce family, he constructed the house using imported materials and Renaissance designs. The palace includes colorful painted ceilings and period furnishings. It is now owned by the National Trust for Scotland. Though not a fortress, it represents the Bruce family’s mercantile and cultural influence.
Kinross House and Lochleven Castle
Sir William Bruce, architect and laird of Kinross, built Kinross House between 1685 and 1693. The estate includes a view of Lochleven Castle, which became part of the grounds. The island castle was where Mary, Queen of Scots, was imprisoned in 1567. Bruce preserved the ruin as part of a formal landscape design. Kinross House is considered the first neoclassical house in Scotland.
Broomhall House
Broomhall House, near Dunfermline, is the seat of the Earls of Elgin and Kincardine, the current chiefs of Clan Bruce. The estate was built in the early 1700s and expanded in the Georgian style. It houses many Bruce family heirlooms, including items linked to Robert the Bruce. The house remains privately occupied by the Bruce family. It is one of the clan’s most significant continuous residences.
Earlshall Castle
Earlshall Castle, near Leuchars in Fife, was built by Sir William Bruce in the mid-16th century. The house has a courtyard layout with a well-preserved hall and ornate plaster ceiling. It was the seat of the Bruce family until the early 18th century. The castle was restored in the 1890s and remains a private home. The gardens are notable for their historic topiary.
Castles Loosely Associated with Clan Bruce
Stirling Castle
Stirling Castle was the focal point of the 1314 Bruce campaign that led to the Battle of Bannockburn. Robert the Bruce’s victory secured the castle and solidified Scottish independence. Though never a Bruce residence, its role in his military campaign is legendary. The castle was slighted after the battle and later rebuilt by the Stewarts. It remains one of Scotland’s most important royal castles.
Edinburgh Castle
Edinburgh Castle was retaken by Robert the Bruce’s nephew in 1314 and destroyed shortly after to prevent English reoccupation. Though Bruce did not reside there, it was central to his policy of denying strongholds to his enemies. The castle was later rebuilt by the Stewarts. Today, it honors Robert the Bruce among Scotland’s greatest kings. It is a national symbol of independence.
Roxburgh Castle
Roxburgh Castle was captured by Bruce’s ally James Douglas in 1314. The fortress was destroyed on Bruce’s orders to prevent English use. Although not a family residence, its fall marked a major victory in Bruce’s war strategy. The site now consists of grassy earthworks and a few masonry fragments. It remains a symbol of Bruce’s military success.
Kildrummy Castle
Kildrummy Castle was defended by Robert the Bruce’s brother Nigel during the early phase of the Wars of Independence. After betrayal, the castle fell and Nigel was executed, an event that intensified Robert’s resolve. Bruce later returned and ordered the castle damaged to prevent further use. The ruins include large curtain walls and multiple towers. The site represents both sacrifice and determination in the Bruce cause.
Dunaverty Castle
Dunaverty Castle, in Kintyre, was a MacDonald fortress that sheltered Robert the Bruce in 1306. After fleeing defeat, Bruce sought refuge here before escaping to Rathlin Island. The castle was later destroyed and only slight remains survive. Its importance lies in providing sanctuary during Bruce’s time in hiding. It remains a key location in the Bruce legend.
Lochranza Castle
Lochranza Castle, on the Isle of Arran, was where Bruce is said to have landed in 1307 to restart his campaign. Though not held by the family, the site symbolizes his return from exile. The castle was later used by Scottish royalty, including Robert II. It stands as a picturesque ruin on the shore. The tradition of Bruce’s landing gives it a lasting legacy.
Tarbert Castle
Tarbert Castle, in Argyll, was rebuilt and expanded by Robert the Bruce in the 1320s to secure western seaways. It became a royal stronghold and helped control access to Kintyre. Though later passed to other families, Bruce’s construction work is commemorated at the site. The ruins are situated above Tarbert Harbour. They reflect Bruce’s strategic use of castles for national defense.
References
Coventry, M. (2010). The Castles of Scotland (5th ed.). Musselburgh: Goblinshead.
Tabraham, C. (2005). Scotland’s Castles. London: Batsford.
Historic Environment Scotland. (n.d.). Castle Records and Listings.
Bruce, J. (1907). The Bruce Family of Annandale. Edinburgh: Clan Bruce Society.
National Trust for Scotland. (n.d.). Culross Palace & Kinross House Archives.
RCAHMS. (n.d.). National Monuments Record of Scotland.