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Thirlestane Castle

📍 Scottish Borders, Scotland

4.2 ★★★★ 780 reviews

About

Thirlestane Castle is a castle set in extensive parklands near Lauder in the Borders of Scotland. The site is aptly named Castle Hill, as it stands upon raised ground. However, the raised land is within Lauderdale, the valley of the Leader Water. The land has been in the ownership of the Maitland family since 1587, and Thirlestane served as the seat of the Earls of Lauderdale. The castle was substantially extended in the 1670s by the first and only Duke of Lauderdale. Further additions were made in the 19th century. The castle is now cared for by a charitable trust, and is open to the public.

Built in the 16th century on a site dating to the 12th century near the Leader Water. Transformed by John Maitland, Duke of Lauderdale — Charles II's powerful Secretary of State — who employed Sir William Bruce to create palatial baroque interiors in the 1670s. The plasterwork ceilings by George Dunsterfield are among the finest in Europe. Still home to the Maitland family.