Innermessan Mote
The huge flat-topped mound of Innermessan Mote can be seen clearly from the Balyett picnic site. This was part of a massive earth and timber castle built in the 12th century by Norman kings brought in to the area by the Lords of Galloway. Innermessan became 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.
A town grew up around the castle. It was given burgh status and by the end of the Middle Ages was the largest settlement on Loch Ryan. But as Stranraer grew in the 16th centruy so Inndermessan declined and by the end of the 17th century it had become an insignificant hamlet.
A Roman settlement called Rerigonnium lay somewhere close to Loch Ryan. 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. Is there a Roman site beneath the medieval town.
There is no public access to Innermesan. View from the Balyett car park and picnic site on the A77, east of Stranraer.
Contact
The Curator
Balyett
Stranraer
Dumfries & Galloway
DG9
Scotland
Tel: +44 (1776) 705088
