The ruins of Lochmaben Castle are located at Castle Loch near the village of Lochmaben in Galloway, Scotland. The earthworks constructed under Edward I were built with a timber castle in 1300. The castle was rebuilt with stone in the 14th century. Some items have been discovered in the outer bailey which were thought to have been used during the build: an axe and a skillet.
The Brus family (ancestors of Robert the Bruce) were the lords in this area of Scotland in the 12th century, and they lived at another castle nearby in Lochmaben. The area occupied by the original castle contains only some earthworks today, and it is sited at the modern day Lochmaben Golf Club, but it is not accessible to the public. The current ruins of the new site of Lochmaben castle was constructed later. A timber pele tower was built in the location by Robert the Bruce, and the castle was burned and repaired, captured and recaptured until the 1400s.
By the beginning of the 1600s, the castle is abandoned. The stones were removed and used in other buildings nearby. Red sandstone was used for the exterior of the castle. Today, the castle is in a bad state of disrepair and the taller areas of stonework have been fenced off to protect visitors.
The location became romantic ruins in Victorian times and was a popular spot for visitors and artists.
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