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 fine collection of masters' paintings.

Directions: Off the A76