Scottish Castles Association

Situated within the 20th century housing estate of Lincluden, Dumfries, Lincluden College is a richly decorated collegiate church of the 14th century with considerable remains of the 16th century domestic range which once housed the priests and the provost.

The later survived the reformation of 1560 and continued in use until about 1600. Its gunloops might date from this period. Extensive knot gardens enhanced the site which was overlooked by a ‘mount’ or perhaps a motte hill incorporated as such a feature. What escaped the reformation is being carried out at the present day by the local small fry which Historic Scotland appears powerless to prevent.

Lincluden in 1790 with octagonal gun looped stair tower intact

Lincluden pictured 1900 (left) and the present day (right)

Motte (or Mount) together with Knot Garden

East Gable pock marked by gunfire which demonstrates the need for gunloops!

Article by SCA member Brian McGarrigle