List of castles in the Scottish Borders Facts for Kids

The Scottish Borders region in Scotland is famous for its many historic castles. These strong buildings tell stories of a time long ago, filled with knights, battles, and powerful families. Castles were built for protection, to show off wealth, and to control land. Today, some are still lived in, while others are beautiful ruins that you can explore.

What are Castles?

Castles are large, fortified buildings that were built mainly during the Middle Ages. They were designed to protect people from attacks. Many castles in the Scottish Borders were built as tower houses or pele towers. These were strong, tall buildings that could be easily defended.

Types of Castles You Might See

Tower House: A tall, strong, rectangular building where a family lived and defended themselves.
L-plan Castle: A tower house with an extra wing, making it look like the letter 'L' from above. This gave more living space and better defense.
Courtyard Castle: A castle with buildings arranged around a central open space or courtyard.
Keep: The main, strongest tower of a castle.

Famous Castles in the Scottish Borders

The Scottish Borders has many castles, each with its own unique history. Here are some of the most interesting ones:

Ayton Castle

Ayton Castle, still occupied today.

Located near Eyemouth, Ayton Castle is a grand building that looks like something out of a fairy tale. It's still lived in today! This castle shows how some old buildings can be kept alive and used in modern times.

Branxholme Castle

Branxholme Castle, a historic tower house.

Branxholme Castle is a classic example of a tower house. It's found near Hawick and has been home to the powerful Scott family for centuries. Like Ayton, it is still occupied, showing its long history.

Cessford Castle

The ruins of Cessford Castle.

Near Kelso, you'll find the ruins of Cessford Castle. This castle was once a very strong fortress. Even though it's now a ruin, you can still see how impressive it must have been in its prime. Exploring ruins like Cessford can make you imagine what life was like hundreds of years ago.

Drochil Castle

The large ruins of Drochil Castle.

Drochil Castle is a large and impressive ruin. It was built in the 16th century by James Douglas, 4th Earl of Morton. Even though it was never fully finished, its size shows how important and powerful its owner was. It's a great place to visit and imagine its past.

Dryhope Tower

Dryhope Tower, a well-preserved ruin.

Dryhope Tower is another fantastic ruin. It's a typical pele tower and was once home to the famous Mary Scott, also known as the "Flower of Yarrow." This tower played a part in the many border conflicts between Scotland and England.

Duns Castle

Duns Castle, a grand and occupied castle.

Duns Castle is a beautiful castle that is still occupied. It's located near the town of Duns. This castle has been expanded and changed over the centuries, but it still keeps its historic charm.

Fast Castle

Fast Castle, perched dramatically on a cliff.

Perched dramatically on a cliff edge near Coldingham, Fast Castle is a truly spectacular ruin. It was a courtyard castle and its location made it very hard to attack. It's a popular spot for visitors who want to see a castle with an amazing view.

Floors Castle

Floors Castle, a grand stately home.

While technically a grand house built in the 18th century, Floors Castle stands on the grounds where the ruins of the much older Roxburgh Castle once stood. It is the largest inhabited castle in Scotland and is home to the Duke of Roxburghe. You can visit and see its beautiful gardens and impressive rooms.

Greenknowe Tower

Greenknowe Tower, a historic ruin.

Greenknowe Tower is a well-preserved ruin that gives a great idea of what a 16th-century tower house looked like. It's located near Gordon and is a peaceful place to explore.

Hermitage Castle

The imposing Hermitage Castle.

Hermitage Castle is one of the most famous and imposing castles in the Scottish Borders. It's a massive keep and is known for its dark and mysterious history. It's now managed by Historic Scotland and is open to the public.

Hume Castle

Hume Castle, a prominent landmark.

Hume Castle is a striking ruin that sits high on a hill near Greenlaw. It's a very visible landmark and offers amazing views of the surrounding countryside.

Jedburgh Castle

The site where Jedburgh Castle once stood.

Sadly, Jedburgh Castle was demolished in 1409. It was once an important royal castle. Today, a baronial-style jail stands on its former site, reminding us that even the strongest castles can disappear over time.

Neidpath Castle

Neidpath Castle, overlooking the River Tweed.

Neidpath Castle is a keep that dates back to the 14th century. It's located near Peebles and overlooks the River Tweed. It's semi-ruinous but still very impressive and is often open for visitors.

Newark Castle

The ruins of Newark Castle.

The ruins of Newark Castle can be found near Selkirk. This castle has a long history and was once a strong defensive point in the region.

Smailholm Tower

Smailholm Tower, a well-known landmark.

Smailholm Tower is a very well-known and popular tower house. It's managed by Historic Scotland and is a great example of a border tower. It's famous for its connection to the writer Sir Walter Scott, who spent time there as a child.

Thirlestane Castle

Thirlestane Castle, a grand and occupied home.

Thirlestane Castle is a magnificent castle that is still occupied by the Maitland family. It's a grand building with beautiful interiors and grounds, often open to the public.

Traquair House

Traquair House, a historic fortified house.

Traquair House is Scotland's oldest inhabited house. It started as a fortified house and has been home to the Maxwell Stuart family for centuries. It's open regularly and offers a unique look into Scottish history.