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In 1567, Mary Queen of Scots and her third husband, the Earl of Bothwell, sought refuge in Borthwick Castle
In 1567, Mary Queen of Scots and her third husband, the Earl of Bothwell, sought refuge in this impenetrable fortress. Here they spent their remaining days together before being parted. Mary escaped dressed as a pageboy and today her ghost has been seen in this disguise. She died upon the scaffold approximately 18 years later in 1588, whilst her husband passed away in a Danish prison after leaving the safety of the castle. During the Civil War, roughly 100 years later, Oliver Cromwell’s army laid siege to Borthwick. His army with the use of cannon was able to destroy the east parapet and also tore a large cavity in the stonework. Today, the castles walls still bare the scars of Cromwell’s cannons.
The castle’s history is a gruesome one. The Borthwicks were known as warriors, who did not take kindly to prisoners. Legend has it that a popular pastime of the early lords was to grant the prisoners their freedom if they could complete just one feat. This feat was to jump across the gap between the castles towers, a distance of 12 feet. This may not seem a great distance until you realised that you had to do it with your hands tied behind your back. If you succeeded you were free to leave, if you didn’t then……! I will leave the consequences to your imagination! In 1973 Borthwick Castle was leased from the Borthwick family and converted into a hotel.
Tourist InformationTo book a room at Borthwick Castle or make general enquiry: Phone: +44 (0) 1875 820 514
Fax: +44 (0) 1875 821 702
Email: enquiries@borthwickcastlehotel.com
From Central Edinburgh - take the A7 towards Galashiels for approximately 12 miles. At North Middleton turn left and drive straight on through the village for about ľ mile, going straight ahead at a sharp turn in the road, past the school and church on a private road leading to the Castle gates.
From Edinburgh Airport - Follow signs for A720, City Bypass South, and once you are on this dual carriageway, continue until Sheriffhall Roundabout where you will take the A7 road and continue as above.
From Glasgow City or Airport - Take the M8 to Edinburgh; on the outskirts join the A720 City Bypass South and continue as above.
Arriving by train - If you require a taxi from Edinburgh's Waverley Station, please phone the Hotel upon arrival. Taxi charge will be Ł25-Ł30.
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Borthwick Castle was built in 1430, by Lord Borthwick as a twin towered keep. His tomb and that of his wife can still be seen in the old village church.
