Maclellans Castle

Maclellans Castle is a castle in Scotland, cared for by Historic Environment Scotland. Read about its history and architecture, plus how to visit and what's nearby.

About Maclellans Castle

MacLellan's Castle stands in Kirkcudbright on the south bank of the River Dee in Dumfries and Galloway.

Sir Thomas MacLellan built this L-plan tower house in the late 16th century, prioritising domestic comfort over heavy defences.

The castle features a laird's lug, a hidden spyhole beside the great hall fireplace that allowed the owner to listen in on his guests.

Historic Environment Scotland manages the site today.

History of Maclellans Castle

Sir Thomas MacLellan built the castle in the late 16th century as a grand family residence rather than a fortress. The MacLellans fell into financial difficulty and sold the castle in 1752. From 1782 to 1912 it belonged to the Earls of Selkirk before passing into state care.

Architecture of Maclellans Castle

The castle follows an L-plan typical of late 16th-century Scottish tower houses, built for comfort and status rather than military defence, with only minimal fortification.

Worth knowing

A memorial to Sir Thomas and Lady Grissel MacLellan can be seen at the neighbouring Greyfriars Church, marking the family whose fortunes rose and fell with the castle.

Plan your visit to Maclellans Castle

Official site Google Maps Waze

Open April to September daily; check official website for current hours as conservation works may affect access.

Places to visit near Maclellans Castle

Broughton House

historic building 0.1 miles

Visit Broughton House View Broughton House on heritage map

Dundrennan Abbey

abbey 4.7 miles

View Dundrennan Abbey on heritage map

Cardoness Castle

castle 6.3 miles

View Cardoness Castle on heritage map

Threave Gardens

garden 7.3 miles

View Threave Gardens on heritage map

Threave Castle

historic building 7.8 miles

View Threave Castle on heritage map

Historic places nearby

Within 5 miles of Maclellans Castle there are 2 historic properties, including 1 historic building and 1 abbey, across Historic Environment Scotland and National Trust for Scotland sites.

1 Historic Environment Scotland

1 National Trust for Scotland

1 Historic building

1 Abbey

See these 2 sites on the heritage map

Within 10 miles of Maclellans Castle there are 6 historic properties, including 2 historic buildings, across Historic Environment Scotland and National Trust for Scotland sites.

4 Historic Environment Scotland

2 National Trust for Scotland

2 Historic building

1 Castle

1 Tower

1 Garden

1 Abbey

See these 6 sites on the heritage map

Within 20 miles of Maclellans Castle there are 18 historic properties, including 4 historic buildings, 3 abbeys and 2 towers, across Historic Environment Scotland and National Trust for Scotland sites.

16 Historic Environment Scotland

2 National Trust for Scotland

4 Historic building

3 Abbey

2 Tower

2 Castle

2 Archaeological site

1 Mill

1 Priory

1 Historic site