Drumlanrig Castle

Castle in Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland, UK

55°16′26″N 3°48′36″W / 55.274°N 3.810°W / 55.274; -3.810OwnerMontagu-Douglas-Scott Dukes of Buccleuch and QueensberryWebsitedrumlanrigcastle.co.uk

Drumlanrig Castle is situated on the Queensberry Estate in Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland. The category A listed castle is the Dumfriesshire home of the Duke of Buccleuch and Queensberry.^[1] As of September 2023, the castle itself is open to the public during very limited times of the year,^[2] with the surroundings, such as the stableyard and adventure playground being open nearly all year round.^[3]^[4] Walking, hiking, and cycling routes are open all year long,^[5] unless officially closed due to unforeseen circumstances, such as in 2021 due damage inflicted by Storm Arwen.^[6]

Construction

The 'Pink Palace' of Drumlanrig,^[7] constructed between 1679 and 1689 from distinctive pink sandstone,^[8] is an example of late 17th-century Renaissance architecture. The first Duke of Queensberry, William Douglas, had the castle built on the site of an ancient Douglas stronghold overlooking the Nith Valley.^[9] The castle has 120 rooms, 17 turrets and four towers.^[10]

In 1984, aerial photography revealed the outline of a substantial Roman fort some 350 yards (320 m) to the southeast of Drumlanrig Castle. The fort was partially excavated in 2004 by the Time Team television programme.^[11]

Art collection

The castle is home to part of the Buccleuch art collection which includes Rembrandt's An Old Woman Reading,^[10] and Leonardo da Vinci's Madonna of the Yarnwinder, which was stolen in 2003 and returned in 2007 after being found in Glasgow,^[12] and many other paintings, tapestries and objects of art. The Madonna of the Yarnwinder is currently on loan at the Scottish National Gallery.

Surrounding Attractions

The castle features attractions for both tourists and local residents, situated in the former stable yard, and in an off-section of the rear gardens. These include the Stableyard Studios with a range of local businesses, a tearoom and an adventure playground.^[3]^[4]^[13]

Etymology

The earliest record for Drumlanrig is from 1384, spelled Drumlangryg. There are a number of possible etymologies for the name. It may represent Cumbric drum 'ridge' + -lanerc 'small area of cleared woodland'. However, the first element may also be Gaelic druim 'ridge', either added to a Cumbric name or to Scots *lang-rigg 'long ridge'.^[14]

Gallery

Drumlanrig Castle side on view looking at the right-hand side
Drumlanrig Castle illustration in 1880
Original plan. The building extends 145 ft (44m)
Planned front entrance illustration
Drumlanrig Castle side on view looking at the left-hand side
Main/Front car park, looking down from Stableyard towards front gate to Castle itself, as well as road towards Adventure Playground
View inside the Stableyard, towards the rear, facing an exit as well as the general direction of the Castle

References

^ Historic Environment Scotland. "Drumlanrig Castle, Outbuildings and Pavilion Blocks Piers, Balustrades and Quadrant Walls and Garden Urns (Category A Listed Building) (LB3886)". Retrieved 20 March 2019.
^ "Castle Tours | Dumfries & Galloway". Drumlanrig Castle. Retrieved 20 September 2023.
^ ^a ^b "The Adventure Playground". Drumlanrig Castle. Retrieved 20 September 2023.
^ ^a ^b "Discover the Stableyard Craft Workshops". Drumlanrig Castle. Retrieved 20 September 2023.
^ "Walking and Hiking Routes". Drumlanrig Castle. Retrieved 20 September 2023.
^ "Facebook". www.facebook.com. Retrieved 20 September 2023.
^ William Tinning; Alison Chiesa (27 August 2003). "Low security of viewing scheme that avoids inheritance duty didn't deter raiders of the Pink Palace". The Herald. Retrieved 8 March 2022.
^ Rose, Kenneth (24 December 2001). "Princess Alice: no Victorian, but eminent none the less". London: Telegraph. Retrieved 27 December 2011.
^ "The Castle". Retrieved 27 December 2011.
^ ^a ^b "The Duke of Buccleuch". London: Telegraph. 5 September 2007. Retrieved 27 December 2011.
^ "Drumlanrig Castle". wessexarch.co.uk. Wessex Archaeology. Retrieved 25 August 2023.
^ "Trial date for da Vinci accused". BBC News. 19 October 2009. Retrieved 27 December 2011.
^ "Drumlanrig Castle - Tearoom and Larchwood Cabin, Thornhill – Cafes & Tearooms". www.visitscotland.com. Retrieved 20 September 2023.
^ James, Alan G. (2014). The Brittonic Language in the Old North: A Guide to the Place-name Evidence. Vol. 2: Guide to the Elements. p. 152. Archived from the original on 28 March 2017. Retrieved 27 March 2017.