- Heritage

Maclellan's Castle

Named after Sir Thomas MacLellan of Bombie, a former provost of Kirkcudbright. This 16th century castle demonstrates the change from heavily defended tower houses to more domestic designs. The Great Hall’s fireplace has a rare "laird’s lug" through which the master of the house could eavesdrop on guests…

New Abbey Corn Mill

This carefully renovated 18th century water-powered oatmeal mill is in full working order. Regular demonstrations are given for visitors in the summer to show how oatmeal was produced…

Sweetheart Abbey

Founded in 1273 by Lady Devorgilla of Galloway in memory of her husband John Balliol. On her death, she was buried next to her husband’s embalmed heart and the monks named their abbey in memory of her. The graceful ruin nestles between Criffel Hill and the Solway Firth…

Threave Castle

Built by Archibald the Grim in the late 14th century, Threave Castle was an early stronghold of the Black Douglases. Around its base is an artillery fortification built before 1455 when the castle was besieged by James II. Ring the bell and the custodian will come to ferry you over…

Whithorn Priory & Museum

The site of the first Christian church in Scotland. Founded as ‘Candida Casa’ by St Ninian in the early 5th century it later became the cathedral church of Galloway. Visitors can now see the collection of early Christian carved crosses in a newly refurbished museum…

Blackness Castle

One of Scotland’s most important strongholds. Built in the 14th century and strengthened in the 16th century as an artillery fortress, it has been a royal castle, prison armaments depot and film location for Hamlet. It stands on a promontory in the Firth of Forth…

Craigmillar Castle

Mary, Queen of Scots fled to Craigmillar after the murder of Rizzio. This well preserved medieval castle was built around an L-plan tower house. It also inlcudes a courtyard, gardens and a range of private rooms linked to the hall of the old tower…

Crichton Castle

Built as the lordly residence of the Crichtons, the castle later became home to the earls of Bothwell. This large and sophisticated castle has a spectacular Italian style facade added by the Earl of Bothwell in the 16th century. Mary Queen of Scots attended a wedding here…

Dirleton Castle & Garden

The oldest part of this romantic castle dates from the 13th century, when it was built by the De Vaux family. The renowned gardens, first laid out in the 16th century, now include a magnificent Arts and Crafts herbaceous border (the longest in the world) and a re-created Victorian Garden…

Dunglass Collegiate Church

Founded in 1450 for a college of canons by Sir Alexander Hume. A handsome crossshaped building with vaulted nave, choir and transepts…