What is recorded here

Neidpath Castle is a ruined L-plan tower house overlooking the River Tweed west of Peebles, built by Simon Fraser between 1263 and 1266 and later remodelled by the Hay and Douglas families. Mary, Queen of Scots and James VI both visited, while Cromwell’s forces attacked it in 1650, perhaps after a long assault rather than a quiet surrender. The 2nd Earl of Tweeddale planted yews and added outbuildings before bankruptcy forced a sale in 1686, after which Adam Ferguson and other tenants used the place until neglect collapsed its upper rooms. Wordsworth and Walter Scott came in 1803 to find venerable trees felled, turning a noble border stronghold into a wound in the landscape.

Scotland's National Record of the Historic Environment records Neidpath Castle as No Class (event) (20th Century). The official map says its point is accurate as follows: NGR given to the nearest 10m. The record does not by itself mean that the public may enter the place.

Neidpath Castle was built in the late 14th century by the Haliburton family, a prominent Scottish noble family. It is important as a well-preserved example of a Scottish border tower house and was later held by the Douglas and then the Scott families, playing a role in regional history and local defense.

The historic-place record does not grant public access. Check current conditions and ownership before entering land or a building.