Cardoness
is a tall square tower standing on a low hillock to the west of Gatehouse. Lower vaulted
cellars are located below the tower to the south, and a ramp leads to the entrance
doorway.
The MacCullochs built Cardoness in the late
15th century. Alexander MacCulloch, laird between 1509-13 was keeper of James IV’s
falcon and won 35 shillings at archery butts. The Gordons acquired the estate in 1629, but
the MacCullochs did not like this. In 1668 Alexander MacCulloch disputed with the Gordons,
and caused the death of a sick widow. In 1697 Sir Godfrey MacCulloch was executed by the
"The Maiden" in Edinburgh. The castle has been empty since then. |
