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Crichton Castle (HS)

Pathhead, Crichton

The original castle was built by John de Crichton in the late 14th century. It was substantially enlarged in the middle of the 15th century by the first Lord Crichton, Chancellor of Scotland. The castle later came into the possession of Frances Stewart, Earl of Bothwell. A highly cultured and educated man, Frances knew both Spain and Italy well. He set about transferring the mediaeval castle into a quite remarkable Renaissance residence. The lodging, created in the 1580s, is the centrepiece of Bothwell’s improved castle. It has a stunning courtyard elevation, with a diamond faceted façade and other elegant features never seen in Scotland before.