Threave Castle, Castle Douglas.

Situated on an island in the middle of the River Dee, the remains of this ancient castle is only reachable by boat. It is accessed along a footpath skirting a bluebell wood.

The island would have supported subsidiary buildings, such as stores and workshops, as well as the castle. It became the stronghold of the Black Douglases and still today, round its base you can see the artillery fortification built before 1455 when James II besieged the castle.

In its long an illustrious career the Castle changed hands a number of times, until in 1640 it was laid siege. After holding out for 13 weeks, the garrison surrendered on the orders of King Charles. The opposing army ordered the buildings to be dismantled, and the materials to be disposed "to the use of the public". It was also later altered to house French POWs. 

In 1913 the ruins were given into state care and declared a scheduled monument in 1921.