Cruggleton Castle
| Cruggleton Castle | |
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| Cruggleton, Wigtownshire, Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland UK grid reference NX483428 |
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The castle in 2005
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 Cruggleton Castle
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| Coordinates | 54°45′26″N 4°21′26″W / 54.757167°N 4.357333°W |
| Type | Castle |
| Site information | |
| Owner | Private |
| Open to the public |
Yes |
| Condition | Ruined |
| Site history | |
| Built | 13th Century |
| Materials | Stone |
Cruggleton Castle is a multi-period archaeological site on coast of the Machars, in south-west Scotland. It is located at Cruggleton Point, around 4.5 kilometres (2.8 mi) east of Whithorn and 6 kilometres (3.7 mi) south-east of Sorbie. Excavations in the 1970s and 1980s revealed several periods of use, from the 1st century AD to the 17th century. The first stone tower was built in the 13th century, on an earlier motte.
The castle is located on a high outcrop of shale, which forms a promontory on the east-facing cliff edge, about 40 metres (130 ft) above sea level. The name "Cruggleton" is taken to derive from the rocky nature of the site.
Excavations on the site revealed the remains of a late Iron Age hut circle, and of a timber hall dated to the early medieval period. During the 12th or 13th century, the rock outcrop was raised to form a motte and a timber tower was built. During this time, Cruggleton Castle was possibly a seat of the Lords of Galloway, passing to the Earls of Buchan. The earliest stone tower and curtain wall was built between the late 13th and early 15th centuries. In the 1290s, John Comyn, Earl of Buchan, had a licence from Edward I to dig for lead in the Calf of Man, to cover eight towers of the castle. Cruggleton, also known as "The Black Rock of Cree", has been associated with the stronghold on the Water of Cree that William Wallace captured, with his companions Stephen of Ireland and Kerlé, according to Blind Harry. It was again taken by Scottish forces in 1307 and subsequently demolished. Later in the 14th century, King David II granted Cruggleton to Gilbert Kennedy. In 1424 it was granted to the Prior and Canons of Whithorn.
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