Earlier Houses: The current house was built on the site of the Medieval Melville Castle, which was visited by Mary, Queen of Scots, when it was owned by her secretary, David Rizzio.

Built / Designed For: 1st Viscount Melville

House & Family History: Henry Dundas, 1st Viscount Melville, called the uncrowned king of Scotland during his lifetime, was a powerful and important figure in late 18th-early 19th century Scotland. He served as lord advocate, solicitor general for Scotland, keeper of the signet and privy seal, and treasurer of the Royal Navy. Many places around Scotland are named in his honor, including Dundas Street and the Melville Monument, both in Edinburgh. Because of his efforts to slow down the abolition of the transatlantic slave trade in the 1790s, his reputation has declined considerably; during the early 21st century multiple campaigns to remove his name from monuments, buildings, and streets in Scotland gained momentum.

House Listed: Category A

Park Listed: Listed as a Garden & Designed Landscape

Past Seat / Home of: SEATED AT EARLIER HOUSE: David Rizzio, 16th century. SEATED AT CURRENT HOUSE: Henry Dundas, 1st Viscount Melville, 1790-1811; Robert Dundas, 2nd Viscount Melville, 1811-51; General Henry Dundas, 3rd Viscount Melville, 1851-76; Dundas family here from 1765 until 1983.

Current Ownership Type: Corporation

Primary Current Ownership Use: Hotel

Ownership Details: Owned by Melville Castle Hotel Ltd.

House Open to Public: By Appointment

Phone: 01316-540-088

Fax: 01316-544-666

Email: [email protected]

Website: https://melvillecastle.com/

Historic Houses Member: No