Neidpath Castle

Neidpath Castle Details

Neidpath Castle, a C14 tower house of the Hays extended C16, badly damaged C17 and largely unoccupied since C19.

  • Closest To: Peebles
  • Access: No Access
  • Grid Reference: NT236405

Neidpath Castle is a privately owned and occupied tower house near Peebles in the Scottish Borders. It is clearly visible from the main road, and dominates the river valley for some distance. The castle dates back to perhaps as early as the 14th century and was erected for the Fraser family who were sheriffs of Tweeddale at the time. Later in the 14th century the castle passed with marriage to the Hay family who held it up until the 17th century.

The castle is a tower house with an L-plan and an associated courtyard of buildings, much of which is lost’; and part of the tower itself is also ruined. It was repeatedly attacked during the 17th century civil war, and damaged by cannon fire. It was then sold and allowed to fall into disrepair. By 1790 it was in ruins, and although it remained occupied by tenants of the Earl of Wemyss, it required significant remodelling. It is occasionally accessible to the public by appointment.

Official Neidpath Castle website

HES Canmore database entry

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