Drumlanrig Castle

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Drumlanrig Castle in 1880

Plan. The building extends 145 feet ((44 metres)

The entrance front.

Drumlanrig Castle is a large country house near to Thornhill in Dumfries and Galloway in South-West Scotland. It is owned by the Duke of Buccleuch. Despite its name it is actually a baroque country house, and had no military function, although two earlier defensive castles had stood on the site. It was built between 1684 and 1691 for the 1st Duke of Queensberry.

One of the first things a visitor notices is the "grand avenue" leading to the front of the Castle. The house is situated in working farm land, and at the right time of year lambs can be seen in the fields encompassing the grand avenue. It is considered a magnificent site worthy of a visit.

In August 2003, a Leonardo da Vinci painting, Madonna of the Yarnwinder was stolen from the castle. It was found in 2007 in Glasgow and was being examined by experts for its authenticity (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/scotland/south_of_scotland/7028557.stm).