Description:

Near the village of Torthorwald stands a large ruined tower. The first castle on the site was likely an earthwork motte-and-bailey built in the 12th century, with the earliest part of the current ruins dating back to the 14th century. Torthorwald Castle was originally owned by Sir David Torthorwald in the 13th century and later served as a stronghold for the Kirkpatrick and Carlyle families. It passed to the Kirkpatricks, then in 1418 to the Carlyles. In 1544, Lord Carlyle attacked and sacked it during a raid against his sister-in-law. By 1609, the castle had passed by marriage to the Douglases of Parkhead.