Cairns Castle

Cairns Castle is a ruined keep, dating from the 15th century. It is located on the northern slope of the Pentland Hills, around 6.5 miles (10.5 km) south west of Balerno, at the south west end of Harperrig Reservoir, in West Lothian, Scotland.[1]

Cairns Castle
Cairns Castle beside Harperrig Reservoir
Cairns Castle
Coordinates55.8292°N 3.4537°W / 55.8292; -3.4537
Site history
Built15th century

It may have also been known as Easter Cairns Castle, but this may refer to another castle in the area.[1]

History

The Crichtons inherited the castle through marriage of the heiress of the castle who was the granddaughter of William de Carnys the original owner.

Structure

The castle has an adjoining wing. It has a vaulted basement, a kitchen on the ground floor, and a hall above. All floors were reached by a turnpike stair in the corner between the main block and the wing.[1] There were at least three storeys. The kitchen fireplace was converted into an entrance. The entrance tower to the east no longer exists.[2]

It has been a Scheduled Monument since 30 November 1981.[3] It was a category B listed building until it was de-listed in 2015.

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References
  1. Coventry Martin (1997) The Castles of Scotland. Goblinshead. ISBN 1 899874 10 0 p97
  2. Historic Environment Scotland. "Cairns Castle (49093)". Canmore. Retrieved 15 February 2019.
  3. Historic Environment Scotland. "Cairns Castle (SM1193)". Retrieved 15 February 2019.
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