Nether Horsburgh Castle

Nether Horsburgh Castle is a rectangular stone tower house in Innerleithen with three surviving walls that reach approximately 12 meters high and contain remnants of a vaulted cellar and window openings. The structure displays the typical defensive design of a tower house from this period, with narrow slit windows and a ground-level entrance on the north wall.

The tower was built in the 16th century by the Horsburgh family as a defensive structure in a contested border region. Following financial difficulties, ownership passed to Sir Robert Stewart of Shillingshaws.

The castle functioned as a communication point in a network of watchtowers along the Tweed valley, enabling message transmission across the Scottish Borders.

The site sits on private farmland and requires advance permission from Nether Horsburgh Farm for access. The ruins are protected as a scheduled monument, so visitors should tread carefully to avoid disturbing the stonework.

The structure features ground-level entrance in the north wall, leading to a barrel-vaulted room illuminated by strategic slit windows.

Location: Scottish Borders

Location: Innerleithen

GPS coordinates: 55.64490,-3.10740

Latest update: December 9, 2025 12:27