Mary Queen of Scots

The old Roman Road that traverses Dalmellington will, in all probability, have seen the passage in 1568 of the tragic figure Mary, Queen of Scots, in flight from the battle of Langside.

Details of the actual route vary: some have her pass through the wild country of the Dungeon Lochs on her way to Dumfries, others via the Red Road (the scad of which can still be discerned) from Loch Doon over the shoulder of Coran of Portmark.

In her biography of the Queen, Lady Antonia Fraser writes that according to tradition Lord Herries conveyed her through the lonely passes of the Glenkens and down the west bank of the River Ken. Certainly, passing in close proximity to Loch Doon Castle would mean little, either as a temporary sanctuary to the Queen or as a source of danger, if it was indeed sacked in her father`s time.