Sanquhar Castle, now a picturesque ruin in the Scottish countryside, was once a powerful stronghold steeped in history. Situated on the west bank of the River Nith and bordered by Townfoot Burn to the north, the castle’s defensive design included a deep ditch surrounding the rest of its boundary, making it a formidable site in its heyday.
The lands on which Sanquhar Castle stands originally belonged to the Edgar family before passing to the Ross family, who erected the first castle on the site. However, it was the Crichton family who left the most significant mark on Sanquhar. They acquired the lands during the reign of Robert the Bruce and built Sanquhar Castle in the late 13th century. The name “Sanquhar” is derived from the Scots Gaelic “Seann Cathair,” meaning “old fort,” reflecting the site’s long-standing significance.
The earliest part of the Crichton castle, constructed around 1360, consisted of a three-story tower that overlooked a small courtyard, protected by a curtain wall. Over the next century, the castle was expanded, with a new block added around 1400 and a D-shaped tower in 1450. These additions reflected the growing prominence of the Crichton family, who were later elevated to the Earls of Dumfries in 1633.
Despite the Crichtons’ rise in status, they sold Sanquhar Castle in the mid-17th century to Sir William Douglas, the 1st Duke of Queensbury. Douglas, who was responsible for the construction of the grand Drumlanrig Castle, initially favored Sanquhar, staying there only briefly before moving to Drumlanrig. Following his departure, Sanquhar Castle was left to fall into disrepair.
The castle saw a brief revival in 1895 when John Crichton-Stuart, the 3rd Marquess of Bute, purchased the property with the intention of restoring it. The restoration, which focused on the more structurally sound sections of the castle, can still be seen today. However, the Marquess’s death in 1900 brought an end to the restoration efforts, and the castle once again began to crumble.
Today, Sanquhar Castle is a fascinating mix of original medieval architecture and 19th-century restoration work. Visitors can still see the four-story tower that stands at one corner of the site, along with the remains of a hall, a later wing with a gateway passage, and a semi-circular tower. Over the centuries, the castle has hosted many notable figures, including Mary, Queen of Scots in 1568, James VI in 1617, and possibly even Robert the Bruce and William Wallace.
Sanquhar Castle is also home to its share of ghost stories. The most famous is the tale of the “White Lady,” believed to be the spirit of Marion of Dalpeddar, a young woman who disappeared in 1590. Her skeletal remains were reportedly uncovered during excavations in 1875, adding a chilling element to the legend. Another ghostly figure said to haunt the castle is John Wilson, a man wrongfully executed by the Crichtons. His restless spirit is rumored to wander the ruins, accompanied by the eerie sound of rattling chains.
Know Before You Go
Sanquhar Castle is now a scheduled monument located along the Southern Upland Way, a popular walking route that attracts hundreds of visitors each year. Although the castle’s ruinous state and security fence prevent entry, the site remains a compelling attraction. The frequent presence of walkers helps to protect the castle from vandalism, preserving its historical and ghostly legacy for future generations to explore.