Cruggleton Castle

The natural features in this picture have, surprisingly, changed because major erosion has removed part of the headland on which the arch, last remains of a medieval castle, stands. The military and strategic importance of the site ensured its successive occupation by the Celtic, Anglo-Saxon, Scandinavian, and Anglo-Norman rulers of Galloway. It was a major stronghold of the enigmatic Lords of Galloway and later William Wallace prised it out of English hands. Poets too have responded to its attractions from an anonymous early 13th century writer employing Old French through 15th century Blind Harry to contemporary Douglas Dunn.