Castle Outreach:
Barholm Castle

The History
Barholm Castle is a traditional Scottish tower house situated on a hillside overlooking Wigtown Bay and the Machars of Wigtownshire. It was constructed in at least two stages and consists of a rectangular tower with its earliest origins in the second half of the 15th century (presumably with internal access between floors) and a later stair tower built on the NE side, probably late in the 16th century.

While its history is not well documented, it is known that it was a stronghold of the local McCulloch family, who also occupied Cardoness Castle, situated approximately four miles east, on the south western side of Gatehouse of Fleet. It is reputed briefly to have been a hiding place in 1566 of the well known figure of the Scottish reformation, John Knox (1514-1572).

The castle fell into disuse and disrepair in the 18th century, and apart from being used as a location for romantic picnics by the owners of the estate in the 19th century, has seen no use since.

What is needed
Support from any organisations with funding or practical assistance for preventing the structure continuing to fall into ruin, and so to partly bridge the gap between restoration and the final value of the property; restoring the castle will cost about twice its final cash value as a residence.

The fact remains that it is a fine building of historical and architectural interest and, good restoration can save the historical record comprised in the remaining structure whereas neglect will result in its loss.

As of October 2002 Historic Scotland has given a 33% grant towards the restoration of Barholm Castle.

For further information please contact:

John Brennan: jbrennan@wanadoo.nl

http://www.barholm.net