Castles of Clan Douglas
Douglas Castle
Douglas Castle, located in South Lanarkshire near the village of Douglas, was the ancestral seat of the Black Douglases. Originally built in the 13th century, it was famously recaptured by Sir James Douglas in 1307 during the Wars of Independence. The castle was rebuilt several times and eventually replaced by a grand mansion, which was demolished in 1938. Only a corner tower remains today, but the site is still referred to as “Castle Dangerous” after Sir Walter Scott’s novel. It served as the heart of Douglas power in southern Scotland for centuries.
Tantallon Castle
Tantallon Castle, perched on a cliff overlooking the Firth of Forth near North Berwick, was built in the mid-14th century by William Douglas, 1st Earl of Douglas. It later became the stronghold of the Red Douglas line, the Earls of Angus. The castle features a massive curtain wall facing inland and is protected by sea cliffs on the other three sides. It endured multiple sieges, including assaults by James IV, James V, and Oliver Cromwell’s forces. The imposing red sandstone ruins are among the most dramatic in Scotland.
Bothwell Castle
Bothwell Castle, located on the River Clyde near Uddingston, is one of the largest and finest medieval castles in Scotland. It passed to the Douglases in the 14th century through marriage and became the residence of Archibald “the Grim” Douglas. The Black Douglases held it until their forfeiture in 1455. The castle’s round donjon, extensive curtain wall, and riverside setting remain impressive. It symbolized the Douglases’ influence in Lanarkshire.
Threave Castle
Threave Castle, in Dumfries and Galloway, was built in the 1370s by Archibald Douglas, “the Grim,” after he became Lord of Galloway. Located on an island in the River Dee, the towering keep served as the main base for the Black Douglases in the southwest. It was heavily fortified and held out during the 1455 siege that marked the fall of the Black Douglases. The massive tower remains intact and is reached by boat. It stands as a monument to Douglas power in the Borders.
Hermitage Castle
Hermitage Castle, in Liddesdale, Roxburghshire, was a key stronghold of the Douglases from the mid-14th century. Acquired by William Douglas, 1st Earl of Douglas, it became a center of power in the western Borders. Its massive stone walls and bleak, austere design earned it a reputation as one of Scotland’s most foreboding castles. It passed briefly to the Red Douglases before the Crown claimed it. The ruins still loom over the valley, evoking centuries of violence and intrigue.
Aberdour Castle
Aberdour Castle, in Fife, came into Douglas hands in the 14th century through the Earls of Morton. Expanded in the 16th century, the castle features one of Scotland’s oldest surviving stone hall houses. James Douglas, 4th Earl of Morton and Regent of Scotland, made extensive improvements. After a fire in the late 17th century, it was abandoned. Today, the ruins include a great hall, tower, and terraced gardens.
Loch Leven Castle
Loch Leven Castle, on an island in Loch Leven near Kinross, was held by the Douglases of Lochleven from the 14th to the 17th century. Sir William Douglas famously held Mary, Queen of Scots, prisoner here in 1567. The Douglases remained royal custodians of the castle until the early 1600s. The tower house and curtain wall are still standing and accessible by boat. It is one of Scotland’s most atmospheric castle ruins.
Dalkeith Castle
Dalkeith Castle, near Edinburgh, was a major residence of the Douglas Earls of Morton. Acquired in the 14th century, it became their principal seat before being sold in the 17th century. The original medieval fortress was later replaced by Dalkeith Palace. Although the castle itself is gone, the palace and grounds preserve the site’s legacy. It was once a key seat of Douglas political power.
Drumlanrig Castle
Drumlanrig Castle, in Dumfriesshire, was built by the Douglases of Drumlanrig, who became the Dukes of Queensberry. The current structure, built in the late 17th century, sits atop an earlier Douglas tower. The castle is one of the finest baronial mansions in Scotland, with pink sandstone walls, four corner towers, and extensive formal gardens. It remains in the hands of the Duke of Buccleuch and Queensberry. Drumlanrig reflects the continued influence of the Douglases into the modern era.
Morton Castle
Morton Castle, near Thornhill in Dumfriesshire, was a hunting seat of the Douglas Earls of Morton. Built in the 14th century on a promontory above Morton Loch, it was partially destroyed during political upheaval and later abandoned. The castle ruins include a gatehouse and towers flanking a courtyard. Its remote and scenic location adds to its charm. It remains one of the lesser-known Douglas sites.
Castles Loosely Associated with Clan Douglas
Edinburgh Castle
Edinburgh Castle was never owned by the Douglases but played a pivotal role in clan history. In 1440, the young Earl of Douglas and his brother were murdered here in the infamous “Black Dinner.” This act contributed to the eventual downfall of the Black Douglas line. The castle’s Great Hall and courtyard mark the site of the event. It remains one of the most infamous episodes in Douglas history.
Stirling Castle
Stirling Castle was the site of another Douglas tragedy. In 1452, William Douglas, 8th Earl of Douglas, was murdered by King James II during a private audience at the castle. The act led to open conflict between the Douglases and the Crown. The Douglas Room, where the murder occurred, is still pointed out to visitors. The castle played a key role in the final chapter of the Black Douglas rise and fall.
Roxburgh Castle
Roxburgh Castle, in the Borders near Kelso, was captured by Sir James Douglas in 1314 during the Wars of Independence. The daring raid was one of his most celebrated victories. Although the castle was destroyed shortly after, the site remained significant. Only earthworks and low stone walls remain today. It marks one of the high points in early Douglas military success.
Neidpath Castle
Neidpath Castle, near Peebles, passed to the Douglases through the Earls of Queensberry in the late 17th century. Though originally built by the Hay family, it served as a residence for Douglas lairds into the 1800s. The castle retains its tall keep and romantic setting above the River Tweed. It is also associated with the legend of the “Maid of Neidpath,” a Douglas daughter. The castle is privately owned but viewable by appointment.
Dunnottar Castle
Dunnottar Castle, on the coast of Aberdeenshire, was besieged and destroyed by Sir William Douglas in the 14th century. Though it later became the seat of Clan Keith, its early association with Douglas military exploits is remembered. The ruins stand dramatically on a rocky headland. Dunnottar remains one of Scotland’s most iconic coastal fortresses.
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.
Douglas, S. (2009). The History of Clan Douglas. Edinburgh: Clan Douglas Society.
RCAHMS. (n.d.). National Monuments Record of Scotland.