Description:

This curtain-walled castle was designed to defend its original island site at the southern end of Loch Doon.

The original castle dates from the 13th or 14th century, but it is believed that a much earlier settlement was sited on a small island to the south end of Loch Doon. In 1826, nine ancient canoes containing an oak war-club and a battle-axe were discovered nearby and some of the relics can be seen at the Hunterian Museum in Glasgow. It is believed that portcullis gates, which protected the castle, still lie submerged after being thrown into the loch during an attack. According to local legend, Loch Doon Castle once sheltered Robert the Bruce, who often spent time in the surrounding area. Later historical records show it was owned by the Kennedy family before being seized by William Crauford of Lefnoris in 1511. The castle was largely destroyed during the reign of James V (1513–1542).

In the 1930s, the loch’s water level was raised as part of the Galloway hydro-electric scheme, submerging the castle’s island. Around 1935, the remaining outer walls were dismantled and rebuilt on the shore near Craigmulloch Farm, where they still stand today. When the loch’s level drops very low, the top of the original island and some of the old stones of Loch Doon Castle can still be seen.