06 Mar Borthwick, Midlothian
It is worth visiting Borthwick on any tours of Scotland for a couple of reasons.
Firstly, Borthwick Castle dates from 1430, and is very interesting.
It has always been regularly occupied.
There is a rectangular tower over 100 feet high, with two wings.
Borthwick Castle walls are 12 – 14 feet thick.
The great hall has three floors above.
It’s an impressive building!
The history of the castle includes interaction with Mary Queen of Scots and even Oliver Cromwell.
In the second World War the public records of Scotland were deposited in the castle for safekeeping.
Secondly, there is a church.
This was Romanesque but destroyed by fire in 1775.
But the 15th century barrel vaulted aisle survived.
There is also a painted effigy of Lord Borthwick in full knightly accoutrements.
Contact Ireland and Scotland Luxury Tours to see all of the “hidden gems”