At the top of the main spiral staircase, a further narrow spiral staircase in the turret leads to the cap-house bedroom, also known as John Knox’s Room. The story goes that John Knox, the Protestant reforming enemy of Mary Queen of Scots, slept here while on the run to the European continent. This little bedroom has an unusual cast iron single bed, specially made to fit the room by the blacksmith at Drumlanrig Castle, and is very cosy, with its vaulted ceiling and stone fireplace.

A second spiral staircase carries on up to a turreted cap-house chamber, just big enough for a couple of guards to sit in and take shelter on a cold night. Outside, over 12½ metres high, there is a rooftop viewing platform, with a high parapet wall. The panoramic views across the sea and the surrounding countryside are stunning, as are the skyscapes of the moon and stars on a clear night. Sunsets across Wigtown bay are spectacular.