Harthill Castle, Category A listed tower house in Oyne, Scotland
Harthill Castle is a seven-story pink-washed tower house built from solid granite with twin towers positioned at opposite corners. Circular staircases within each tower connect the floors, while small defensive openings like arrow slits and musket holes pierce the walls.
The castle was built in the 15th century and came into the hands of the Leith family in 1531, becoming their residence. A major reconstruction took place in 1638 when John Leith redesigned and rebuilt the structure.
The Great Hall displays a large fireplace that once belonged to an earlier Leith family home and was moved here to emphasize the importance of this central space. The fireplace reflects how the family valued this gathering place across generations.
Visitors should expect uneven floors and steep stairs, as the spiral staircases are narrow and tight by modern standards. The interior can feel damp and cool, so proper footwear and layered clothing work best.
In the late 17th century, Patrick Leith deliberately set fire to the castle to prevent creditors from claiming it, leaving it in ruins for 300 years. The eventual rebuilding shows how the family later returned to restore this ancestral seat.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
