Kirkhill Mote is an early 12th century earthwork motte and bailey fortress, founded by Fergus, lord of Galloway. In 1164, Uchtred, lord of Galloway founded a Benedictine nunnery on the site of the bailey and after the Reformation its domestic buildings were fortified. The oval motte which has been terraced as part of a pleasance, is one of three castles that stand against the banks of River Nith, in or near to Dumfries. The two other castles that were built to defend the town, are sited two miles to the south, on the eastern bank is Dumfries Castle and on the western bank is Mote of Troqueer. 4 miles north-east is Tinwald Castle.