Duns Castle
Massive norman and victorian Border Pele or Peel that dates back to 1320 with later C19 baronial additions by Graham. Still inhabited by the same family since C17 and not open to public.
The orignal castle was built Randolph, Earl of Moray who was nephew to Robert the Bruce and a close ally after he had accepted the Bruce. He was used by Bruce to counter various strong families by giving him land in the area. Originally the castle was probably a large stone keep, built between 1316 and 1320, measuring 15 metres by 10.5 metres. In the 15th or 16th centuries a square wing was added to the keep, the new addition measuring around 9 metres square with walls some 2.4 metres thick. The house was bought by the Hay family in 1696 and the same family have lived there since. It is claimed that Alexander Hay who was an ADC to the Duke of Wellington and was killed at Waterloo to the Duke's extreme distress still haunts the castle.
What you see today is mainly the result of the 19th century makeover which saw the Normal Peel Tower disappear beneath a massive gothic baronial extension. Aadditions were made in 1698, from 1774 to 177, from 1791 to 1798, and then finally between 1818 and 1822.
Duns Law on the castle estate was the historic location of the Scottish Covenanters rising against King Charles 1 in 1639 under General Leslie, who quartered himself in the Castle.
The first Mrs. Hay of Duns Castle was a descendant of Mary Seton, a lady-in-waiting to Mary, Queen of Scots, so the house has strong Stuart connections.
Opening Times
Not open to public unless you are attending event there.
Related Clans
HayNearby Castles
-
Manderston House
Manderston is the supreme country house of Edwardian Scotland; the swan-song of its era.
Visitor Attractions
-
The Jim Clark Room in Duns
Museum dedicated to life of racing driver Jim Clark.
Duns Castle Cottages and Holiday SelfCatering
Cottages Nearby
-
The White House, Duns, sleeps 6
This 17th-century cottage, sits in a small village on the outskirts of Pitlochry; which is a small but bustling town, with a good variety of shops, places to eat and a theatre that puts on summer shows. A ... -
Carriage Mews, Duns, sleeps 5
Superbly set within the 1,200 acre estate surrounding magnificent Duns Castle, and just 30 minutes’ drive from sandy beaches, these holiday cottages are perfectly positioned to make the most of a hol... -
The White House, Duns Castle - Sleeps 6
Superbly set within the 1,200 acre estate surrounding magnificent Duns Castle, and just 30 minutes’ drive from sandy beaches, these holiday cottages are perfectly positioned to make the most of a hol... -
Shepherds Cottage, nr Duns -Sleeps 4-6
This delightful, very spacious cottage in a peaceful rural setting on the edge of the Lammermuir Hills, is perfect for those who enjoy walking and fishing with occasional trips to nearby Edinburgh, 40 minu... -
Kirkgate Cottage nr Duns - Sleeps 4-5
Set on the edge of Chirnside village, 12 miles from the coast, this pretty semi-detached stone-built holiday cottage is furnished in appropriate ‘cottage’ style with a welcoming open fire in th... -
St Mary's House, Duns Castle - Sleeps 9-11
Superbly set within the 1,200 acre estate surrounding magnificent Duns Castle, and just 30 minutes’ drive from sandy beaches, these holiday cottages are perfectly positioned to make the most of a hol... -
Pavilion Lodge, Duns Castle - Sleeps 2
Superbly set within the 1,200 acre estate surrounding magnificent Duns Castle, and just 30 minutes’ drive from sandy beaches, these holiday cottages are perfectly positioned to make the most of a hol... -
Coach House, Duns Castle - Sleeps 2-3
Superbly set within the 1,200 acre estate surrounding magnificent Duns Castle, and just 30 minutes’ drive from sandy beaches, these holiday cottages are perfectly positioned to make the most of a hol... -
Cedar Cottage, Duns Castle - Sleeps 7-9
Superbly set within the 1,200 acre estate surrounding magnificent Duns Castle, and just 30 minutes’ drive from sandy beaches, these holiday cottages are perfectly positioned to make the most of a hol... -
Azalea Cottage, Duns Castle - Sleeps 4
Superbly set within the 1,200 acre estate surrounding magnificent Duns Castle, and just 30 minutes’ drive from sandy beaches, these holiday cottages are perfectly positioned to make the most of a hol... -
Owl Cottage, Duns, sleeps 4
Situated on a working farm on a quiet country road just 3 miles from the little town of Duns and only 15 minutes’ drive from the coast, this pretty, detached holiday cottage is a haven of peace. It h... -
Gamekeepers Lodge near Duns - Sleeps 6
Former gatekeepers lodge 6 miles north of Duns between Preston and Ellemford on Souther Upland Way. Sleeps six people in three bedrooms. -
Kidcleugh Hide Studio Barn near Duns - Sleeps 2
Stunning open plan studio barn six miles north of Duns. Sleeps two people in one bedroom. Modern and Romantic! -
Gerrick Cottage Swinton, Scottish Borders, Sleep 8
This large property is located on a hillside, one mile above the village of Swinton in the Scottish Borders, sleeping 8 people in 4 bedrooms. All on one level, good for people with limited mobility.
