Neidpath Castle is an L-plan rubble-built tower house, overlooking the River Tweed about west of Peebles in the Borders of Scotland. The castle is both a wedding venue and filming location and can be viewed by appointment.

History

An early castle was probably built here by Simon Fraser of Oliver Castle between 1263 and 1266, while he held the office of High Sheriff of Tweeddale. The barony of Neidpath was acquired by the Hay family, through marriage in the early 14th century to the heiress Margaret, a daughter of the sheriff's son, Simon Fraser of Oliver and Neidpath. Sir William de Haya (d.c.1390) probably built the present castle in the late 14th century. It was held by them until the 17th century, although Sir William's son, Sir Thomas Hay, married the daughter and heiress of Sir Hugh Gifford of Yester, acquiring Yester Castle, which became the principal family seat, although Neidpath continued to be used. It was visited by Mary, Queen of Scots in 1563, and by her son James VI in 1587. During the 1660s, the 2nd Earl of Tweeddale remodelled the castle, and constructed outbuildings. On the death of the Duke in 1810, the castle, along with the earldom of March, was inherited by the Earl of Wemyss, although the dukedom went to the Scotts of Buccleuch.

Traditions

The castle is said to be haunted by the ghost of Jean Douglas, referred to by Walter Scott in his poem as "the Maid of Neidpath", the youngest daughter of William Douglas, Earl of March. Forbidden to marry the son of the laird of Tushielaw, who was considered below her station, she dwined while her lover was sent away. When he returned she was so wasted that he did not recognise her, causing her to die of a broken heart. She is reputed to appear clad in a full-length brown dress with a large white collar.

See also

  • Castles in Scotland
  • Neidpath, Saskatchewan, a hamlet in western Canada named after Neidpath Castle

References

Further reading

  • Coventry, Martin. (2001) The Castles of Scotland. Goblinshead.
  • Lindsay, Maurice (1994) The castles of Scotland. Constable.
  • Fenwick, Hubert (1976) Scotland’s Castles. Robert Hale Ltd.
  • Salter, Mike. (1994) The Castles of Lothian and the Borders. Folly Publications.
  • Neidpath Castle Website
  • Reconstruction of Neidpath Castle
  • Photograph of Neidpath Castle
  • Photograph of Neidpath Castle
  • Photograph of Neidpath Castle