Cranshaws Castle

Cranshaws Castle is a four-story stone tower in the Scottish Borders with a rectangular shape and rounded corners. The building includes a parapet and contains a stone turnpike stair preserved from its original construction.

The castle was acquired by the Swinton family and remained under their ownership for over 300 years before passing to new hands. This lengthy period of control shaped how the building developed and its role in the region.

The place name comes from a Scots word for crow, reflecting the region's long connection to the local bird life. The tower continues to define the character of the surrounding countryside as it has for generations.

The property is privately owned and not open to visitors, but the exterior can be viewed from nearby paths and roads. Those exploring the area should know it sits in countryside and is best reached by car.

Investigations revealed that different building phases are visible through varied window designs and vaulted ceilings at different levels. These overlapping layers tell the story of changes and modifications made over several centuries.

Location: Scottish Borders

Location: Cranshaws

GPS coordinates: 55.84840,-2.50953

Latest update: December 8, 2025 21:00