It stands in the centre of Kirkcudbright, on the south side of the River Dee which flows into the Solway Firth. The L-plan castle was the residence of the MacLellan family from whom it derived its name.
The L-shaped castle is positioned at the core of Kirkcudbright, adjacent to the River Dee, which eventually reaches the Solway Firth. It was once the dwelling place of the MacLellan family and thus bears their name.