Hume Castle

Hume Castle to the casual passer-by is nothing but a folly on a hill – and clearly not medieval. However traces of the strategically important tower house that once stood here can be seen inside, and the lower courses of the folly retain some older masonry. It is free to access and on-road parking is available nearby.

The castle was probably founded in the 12th century as a timber stronghold by the Home family, an offshoot of the earls of Dunbar, and probably consisted of a stone courtyard by the mid 13th century. Although there is no evidence either way, it is likely that the castle was destroyed in the Wars of Independence and rebuilt before the 3rd Lord Hume destroyed it in 1515. It was repaired, and during the 16th century the castle changed hands many time until it was finally destroyed by Cromwell’s forces in 1651. In the 1790s the folly was built, and foundations of the 16th century tower and other buildings survive below the grass today. The castle has been subject to archaeology in recent years, mainly focussing on the lost village, and is now owned by the Hume Castle Preservation Trust.

HES Canmore database entry

Hume Castle preservation Trust website