Past History - Pre 2004

PH McKerlie in his book, "Lands and Their Owners in Galloway" sites Machermore in the 11th Century.  The Castle is however thought to be even older as a well has recently been discovered in the grounds evidently of Roman origin.

Machermore Castle also featured prominently in the days of Robert the Bruce, who gifted it with Kirroughtree to a local man, McClurg, after he assisted the King to victory in 1307.

In more recent centuries it was owned by the Dunbar's until they sold it to Mr William Scott (known to many as Willie Scott).

Willie had been looking for some time for a suitable building to open as a Christian Care Home for the elderly. Having found Machermore Castle on the market he made an offer for it in March 1953.

Sadly on January 1st 1954 his wife Mrs Marjory Scott died before Machermore was opened. 

On February 5th 1954 John Alan Dunbar, Baron Inverclyde of Wemyss Castle sold Machermore Castle to William Scott of Park Crescent, Creetown.

On April 5th 1954 Mr Scott formed a Trust.

On 1st May 1954 following refurbishment, Machermore was officially opened. Mr Scott started Machermore because he had faith in his God to be able to run it.

In June 1954 the first Machermore brochure was produced with the main entrance featured on the cover and  exhibiting a photo of the River Cree before the new bridge was constructed. More importantly it records a picture of Mr and Mrs Scott.

In 1960 a new single storey extension featuring 4 bedrooms was added.

On 3rd September 1961, a newspaper article in the Scottish Sunday Express said "The Castle of dreams - built by faith", a testimonial to Mr Scotts faith in His God.

In 1964 an updated brochure was produced featuring a rear view of the castle on the front cover and looks back over 10 years during which time 2 new extensions had now been added.

In 1985 a new brochure with a glossy cover featuring the front entrance was produced looking back over 31 years. It was an informative brochure.

On 26th August 1993 the Lord called Mr William Scott to be in His presence.