Lochmaben Castle is a striking ruined medieval fortress dating from the 12th century, located in Dumfries and Galloway near Lockerbie at the southern end of Castle Loch. Originally established as a motte-and-bailey castle by the Bruce family, ancestors of Robert the Bruce, it was replaced around 1300 with a formidable stone castle under King Edward I during the Wars of Scottish Independence. The castle endured numerous sieges and hosted notable figures including Mary, Queen of Scots and Lord Darnley in 1565. Owned by Historic Environment Scotland, the ruined castle sits among attractive woodland beside the loch, representing centuries of strategic military and political significance.
