Scottish Castles

Local information

Douglas Castle, Glasgow and Clyde Valley

Location: nr Douglas, South Lanarkshire ML11 0 (map and directions)

Located less than a mile from the village of Douglas in South Lanarkshire, Douglas Castle is a ruined corner tower built in the 17th century and is three storeys (9m) in height.

Douglas Castle © Supergolden

History of Douglas Castle

Douglas Castle was the historical strong hold of the Douglas clan from medieval times through to the 19th century, and though many castles were erected here (the first in the 13th century), they were all destroyed and replaced until the 18th century when a final mansion house was erected. After the mansion house was demolished in 1938, the tower became the only remaining sign of the historically significant stronghold.

The Douglas family first built a castle on the property at some point before 1288. The English captured the castle in 1307 during the Wars for Independence, and Sir James Douglas re-captured his family seat shortly after. Robert the Bruce rewarded his bravery by granting James’ heirs with the title of Earl of Douglas.

The castle has also had other brushes with fame: serving as the former family seat of the Prime Minister Alec Douglas Home and also as the inspiration for Sir Walter Scott’s novel Castle Dangerous. The castle is still sometimes referred to as Castle Dangerous, a name which even stands on information signs referring to the castle in the village of Douglas, which is just a half mile walk across parkland from the castle.

Map and directions

Other castles in Glasgow & Clyde Valley