| Closeburn Castle |
Many ancient families are associated with omens and signs that traditionally tell of death or illness in the family line. These omens range from radiant boys, banshees, phantom drummers and various animals. The Kirkpatrick family who inhabited Closeburn Castle have their own specially symbol of misfortune: that of a swan with a bloody breast, relating to an old family story.
Many years ago two swans used to visit the castle, and at least twice their appearance heralded the miraculous recovery for ill members of the family. The swans came to be regarded as good luck tokens swans until Robert Kirkpatrick cruelly shot one through the breast with a crossbow bolt. Thereafter the apparition of a swan with a bleeding breast heralded a death or misfortune in the family.
The current mansion incorporates a 14-century tower, which was in the hands of the Kirkpatrick family from the 13th century to the 18th century.
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| Drumlanrig Castle |
Only the cellars remain of the original 14th century castle in which Mary Queen of Scots stayed in 1563. The mansion, which now stands on the site, was built in the 1700s for William Douglas, the first Duke of Queensberry. Bonnie Prince Charlie stayed at the castle in 1745, after his unsuccessful invasion of England.
The mansion is haunted by three ghosts: Lady Anne Douglas, who walks around with her detached head in her arms, a large yellow monkey - or other strange creature - that haunts the 'Yellow Monkey Room'. The creature has no associated legend as to why it should haunt the castle. The last phantom is that of a lady in a long dress.
The castle also has a story about a murder victim whose blood can not be washed from the floor of one of the passageways, a common folklore motif.
The castle has a visitor's centre and a collection of masters' paintings.
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| Map ref: NX851992 |
| Directions: Off the A6 |
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