Innermessan Mote
The huge flat-topped mound of Innermessan Mote was part of a massive earth and timber castle built in the 12th century by Norman kings brought into the area by the Lords of Galloway.
Rising to a height of above 30 feet above the bottom of the ditch which encircles it, Innermessan was the centre of a large feudal estate and much of its wealth must have come from the control of trade and shipping in Loch Ryan.
Over the years a town grew up around the castle which led to it being given burgh status and by the end of the middle ages, it was the largest settlement on Loch Ryan. But as Stranraer grew in the 16th century so Inndermessan declined and by the end of the 17th century, it had become a largely insignificant hamlet.
A Roman settlement called Rerigonnium lay somewhere close to Loch Ryan and recent aerial photography has recently revealed a Roman road between Dunragit and Castle Kennedy. It follows the course of the modern A75 and then turns north-west towards Innermessan. This discovery has led to speculation that a Roman site lies beneath the medieval town.
Unfortunately, there is no public access to Innermesan but you can enjoy a suburb view of it from the Balyett car park and picnic site on the A77, just east of Stranraer.
Contact
The Curator
Balyett
Stranraer
Dumfries & Galloway
DG9
Scotland
Tel: +44 (1776) 705088
