Tibbers Castle

Tibbers Castle overlooks a ford across the River Nith (Scottish Gaelic: Abhainn Nid) to the east of the village of Carronbridge. The village is at the junction of the A76 and A702 roads approximately 1 mile north of Thornhill, Dumfries and Galloway (Scottish Gaelic: Bàrr na Driseig, Dùn Phrìs is Gall-Ghaidhealaibh). Tibbers Castle is first documented in 1298 when an older timber castle was replaced by a stone castle. The scant remains of this fortress belie its historical significance. It grew in importance as tensions between Scotland and England led to war and it played an important role in the Wars of Independence. Tibbers Castle was taken by Robert the Bruce in 1306, before being regained by the English. This occupation finished in 1313, with the resurgence of Robert the Bruce's campaigns against the English. The remains of the oblong castle now only stand at about twelve feet.

Image: Remains of Tibbers Castle image courtesy of Historic Environment Scotland.