Published in Scotland Magazine Issue 17 on 29/11/2004.

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Castles that are still alive

Many of Scotland's finest castles are still thriving. John Hannavy picks his favourites

While it is the romantic turreted ruin sitting on a high rock which typifies most people’s image of Scotland’s castles, many of the countries most impressive buildings have been maintained and lived in for centuries. Others, sketched and painted as romantic ruins in Victorian times, have been lovingly restored and returned to their original purpose. Some have even been given a new lease of life as hotels, giving visitors the opportunity to actually live in these magnificent buildings.

And that is where we start – at Borthwick Castle, a few miles from Edinburgh and now a luxury hotel. Indeed, over 30 Scottish castles are now operated as hotels, some of them combining absolute luxury with the opportunity to stay in some of the key buildings from Scottish history.

The austere twin towers of Borthwick Castle have dominated the local landscape since 1430. Mary Queen of Scots visited the castle in 1563, and again with the Earl of Bothwell shortly after their marriage in May 1567.

The room she is believed to have slept in is now one of the hotel’s ‘feature’ guest rooms.

A later and perhaps less welcome visitor was Oliver Cromwell in November 1650, who threatened Lord Borthwick with the words: “You have harboured such parties in your house as have basely murdered our men; if you necessitate me to nemd my cannon against you, you must expect what I doubt you will not be pleased with.” The marks of Cromwell’s cannon can still be seen on the castle’s walls. Shortly after the Civil Wa.....

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By John Hannavy

Section : Scottish Castles

Page number : 16