Scotland Guide
Southern Scotland
Caerlaverock Castle
Address: Eight miles southeast of Dumfries
Opening time: Daily: April– Sept 9.30am–5.30pm; Oct– March 9.30am–4.30pm
Website: www.historic-scotland.gov.uk
Price: £5
Caerlaverock Castle is a picture-perfect ruined fortress. Not only is it moated, it's built from the rich local red sandstone, is triangular in shape and has preserved its mighty double-towered gatehouse. The most surprising addition, however, lies inside, where you're confronted by the ornate Renaissance facade of the Nithsdale Lodging, erected in the 1630s by the first earl of Nithsdale. The decorated tympana above the windows feature lively mythological and heraldic scenes in what was clearly the latest style. Sadly, Nithsdale didn't get much value for money: just six years later he and his royal garrison were forced to surrender after a thirteen-week siege and bombardment by the Covenanters, who proceeded to wreck the place. It was never inhabited again.