House & Family History: In June of 1566, Mary, Queen of Scots, just weeks after the birth of her son (the future James VI), made an arduous journey on horseback from Jedburgh to Hermitage Castle. She came to visit the Earl of Bothwell, whom she would marry in May of 1567, an act that certainly helped lead to civil war. After Mary's forced abdication (after the confrontation at Carberry Hill), Bothwell, facing charges of treason, fled to Norway (he died in Denmark, insane, in 1578) and his titles and estates were forfeited by Act of Parliament. Not surprisingly, the castle is said to be haunted by the ghost of Mary.

Comments: Hermitage is considered the most perfect of the Medieval castles in the Borders.

House Listed: Scheduled Ancient Monument

Park Listed: Not Listed

Past Seat / Home of: Nicholas de Soulis, 13th century; William de Soulis, 14th century; de Soulis family here until 1320. Sir Ralph de Neville, 14th century. James Douglas, 9th Earl of Douglas, mid-15th century; Archibald Douglas, 5th Earl of Angus, late 15th century. Patrick Hepburn, 1st Earl of Bothwell, until 1508; James Hepburn, 4th Earl of Bothwell, Duke of Orkney, and Marquis of Fife, until 1567. Francis Stewart, 5th Earl of Bothwell, late 16th century. Walter Scott, 1st Lord Scott of Buccleuch, 1594-1611; Walter Francis Montagu-Douglas-Scott, 5th Duke of Buccleuch and 7th Duke of Queensberry, 19th century; Scott family here until 1930.

Current Ownership Type: Historic Environment Scotland

Primary Current Ownership Use: Visitor Attraction

House Open to Public: Yes

Phone: 01387-376-222

Website: https://www.historicenvironment.scot

Historic Houses Member: No