... Comlongon. I'm sure you have heard of Caerlaverock Castle but have you heard of Comlongon Castle? Located north of the reserve, it was a tower house built in the 16th century that was then extended with a baronial style mansion in 1900. It was originally built by the Murrays of Cockpool and remained in the family until the late 20th century. It has been everything from a masion to a children's home to its present incarnation of a hotel (currently closed).
Words by Marianne Nicholson