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MacLellan's Castle

Kirkcudbright, Dumfries and Galloway
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See the remains of Sir Thomas MacLellan’s tower house, and discover how castle building had evolved by the late 1500s. Unlike the heavily defended model of old, this castle favours comfort over cannons.

Compare the great domestic comfort of the Jacobean tower house with its minimal defences. Seek out the laird’s lug, a secret spyhole behind the great hall fireplace, used by the owner to eavesdrop on his guests.

Learn the riches to rags story of the MacLellan family, whose reversal of fortune led to the castle’s demise – and see a memorial to Sir Thomas and Lady Grissel MacLellan at the nieghbouring Greyfriars Church.

A close-up of a round stone turret and gable wall of a castle, showing weathered stonework and small rectangular window openings.
The castle seen behind a bed of tall wildflowers, with a bright sky and leafy trees adding colour to the scene.
An interior room of a ruined stone castle, with bare stone walls, empty window openings, and sunlight casting grid patterns on the worn stone floor.

Ready for an adventure?

Use a Membership or Explorer Pass to discover centuries of Scottish history and heritage, all while saving money and supporting our work.

Membership

Ideal for regular visitors and heritage supporters

Unlimited annual pass for all ticketed sites plus daytime events

Two adults, holding hands with two young children, walk through a graveyard, with historical stone ruins in the background. It is a sunny day.
  • Unlimited annual pass for all ticketed sites plus daytime events
  • Discount in our shops and cafés (on site and online)
  • Historic Scotland magazine delivered to your door
  • Free or discounted entry to sites in England, Wales and the Isle of Man
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Explorer Pass

Perfect for short-term trips and sightseeing

Valid for 14 consecutive days

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  • Valid for 14 consecutive days
  • Entry to all ticketed sites, including Edinburgh Castle, Stirling Castle and Urquhart Castle
  • 20% discount on audio guides at Edinburgh Castle, Stirling Castle and Glasgow Cathedral
  • Guaranteed entry when you pre-book online
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