Cruck Cottage

The last remaining Cruck Cottage in Dumfries and Galloway. Fashioned from local materials with traditional skills, this cottage, like its many lost companions, was simply constructed on three massive oak cruck frames, fastened together with oak pegs. Thatched, lime washed and earth floored, the cottage still possesses a hanging lum fireplace constructed from cob.

The Cruck Cottage was lived in until the 1960s, and then fell into disrepair. It was restored by Solway Heritage in 1990 using the same traditional skills and local materials. The thatch was again renewed in 2004.

The Cottage is Category A listed by Historic Scotland, and now of a great rarity in Scotland. Much of its maintenance and exciting plans for its future are now undertaken by the Cruck Cottage Heritage Association, who look forward to meeting visitors during the weekend, and plying them with tea and home baking.

The area is steeped in history and nearby Torthorwald Castle changed hands several times during conflicts between various families, notably the Kirkpatricks, and the Carlyles from across the border. An insight into this period of our history will be available at the cottage.

Demonstrations of spinning and weaving, and other local crafts, with traditional music provided by local musicians.

Directions:
A709 from Dumfries, turn left onto Shieldhill Road, in the centre of Torthorwald. Cruck Cottage is 100m up the road on your left. Partial On street parking for six cars - access to the door for disabled drop off. Assisted wheelchair access.

Tea, coffee cakes and biscuits will be available