Hailes Castle

Hailes Castle
©2022 Gazetteer for Scotland

Hailes Castle

Located on the south bank of the River Tyne, 1½ miles (2.5 km) southwest of East Linton, Hailes Castle is an extensive ruin dating from the 13th century. Built originally by the de Gourlay family, Hailes was enlarged by the Hepburn family in the 15th century, with a tower being added and the curtain wall extended. In the 16th century the castle was owned by James Hepburn, 4th Earl of Bothwell (1536-78) and third husband of Mary, Queen of Scots (1542-87). He brought her to Hailes on their flight from Borthwick Castle (1567). Hailes was reduced to ruins by Oliver Cromwell (1650). Later the castle was sold to Sir David Dalrymple (d.1721) of the noted legal family, whose grandson became Lord Hailes. The castle was given to the nation in 1926 by its then owner, the former Prime Minister, Arthur Balfour (1848 - 1930) and is now maintained by Historic Environment Scotland.


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