Dunskey Castle is a ruined, early 16th century tower house, located 0.5 miles (0.80 km) south of the village of Portpatrick, Dumfries and Galloway, on the south-west coast of Scotland.
The three-storey L-plan structure is sited on a promontory, with a rock-cut ditch, 15 metres (49 ft) wide by 2.5 metres (8.2 ft) deep, defending the only access, from the north-east.[1] The castle measures 30 by 14.3 metres (98 by 46.9 ft), with walls 1.5 metres (4.9 ft) thick, although the building is now a roofless shell. The north-east wing is of a later date, and the foundations of a south range are visible. Near the castle are the remains of a watchtower, 7 metres (23 ft) square, built on the cliff edge.[2]
A medieval fortification on the site was destroyed in 1489 by Sir Alexander M'Culloch of Myrtoun. The present Dunskey Castle was built by the Adairs of Kinhilt, who also possessed the Castle of St. John in nearby Stranraer, around 1510.[3] In 1620, it was acquired by Hugh Montgomery, 1st Viscount Montgomery, who extended the building.[1] In 1648 it passed to the Blair family, but was ruined by 1684.[3] The current owners have restricted public access to the castle, which is a Scheduled Ancient Monument and a Category A listed building.[1][4]