Scottish Castles Association

Archibald the Grim Coat of Arms

As is well known Threave Castle (above), Kirkcudbright was built by Archibald Douglas commonly known as 'The Grim'. Recent work has identified his coat of arms.

On the east wall of the Collegiate Church of St Bride's, Bothwell is a label stop which was regarded as depicting the arms of Margaret, daughter of Robert III, due to the presence of a 'Royal Lion'.

This lion has now been identified as that of Galloway. The achievement now reads: 'impaled a heart on a chief with 3 starts and a lion crowned' - the arms of Archibald Douglas, Lord of Galloway.

Article by SCA member Brian McGarrigle