Hermitage Castle

In Scotland's border region, Hermitage Castle is a castle that is mostly in ruins. Historic Scotland is in charge of looking after it. Due to its past and current appearance, the castle has earned a reputation as one of Scotland's most ominous and eerie fortresses.

According to legend, Nicholas de Soulis constructed Hermitage Castle in the characteristic Norman Motte and Bailey style, perhaps around 1240. It remained in his family until around 1320 when his descendant William de Soulis forfeited it due to alleged witchcraft and King Robert I of Scotland's attempted regicide. According to legend, Soulis's tenantry captured him and had him executed by being boiled alive in the molten lead at the neighboring Ninestane Rig (a megalithic circle). In reality, he passed away in Dumbarton Castle as a prisoner. According to legend, Redcap Sly, de Soulis's familiar spirit, haunts Hermitage Castle.

The Scott family owned the castle until 1930 when it was given to the nation for preservation. It is now looked after by Historic Environment Scotland, a Scottish Government executive department, and is accessible to tourists every year from 1 April to 31 October. During the winter, it is closed. The castle is classified as a scheduled monument together with a number of subsidiary structures.

Location: Near Newcastleton, Roxburghshire, Scotland