Burleigh Castle

Burleigh Castle is just outside the town of Milnathort, which is about 1.5 miles north of Kinross, Perth and Kinross, Scotland (Scottish Gaelic: Ceann Rois, Peairt agus Ceann Rois, Alba). This is a fifteenth and sixteenth century castle that was originally home to the Balfours. The remains of the castle consist of the late fifteenth early sixteenth century tower house, a sixteenth century corner tower, part of the court yard and part of the curtain wall.

During its existence Burleigh Castle has had its fair share of distinguished visitors. Including Mary of Guise (22 November 1515 – 11 June 1560), queen consort to King James V of Scotland and mother of Mary, Queen of Scots. King James VI of Scotland (19 June 1566 – 27 March 1625) was also a frequent visitor in the time of his son, Sir Michael Balfour.  The Belfour's ended up losing possession of the castle at the time of Robert Balfour, 5th Lord Balfour of Burleigh. 

He was sentenced to death for the murder of the schoolmaster who had married Robert Balfour's childhood sweetheart. He escaped imprisonment, after which Robert Balfour joined the Jacobite cause, in support of the right of Kingship of the 'Old Pretender' James Stuart and fighting in the 1715 rising. Following the defeat of the Jacobites, Robert Balfour lost his hereditary titles and died in France in 1757. The castle was forfeit to the Irwins, then passed to the Grahams of Kinross. It is now a Scheduled Ancient Monument in the care of Historic Environment Scotland - Àrainneachd Eachdraidheil Alba.

Image: Burleigh Castle - © Copyright Supergolden and licensed for reuse under Creative Commons Licence.

Link: Historic Environment Scotland - Àrainneachd Eachdraidheil Alba Burleigh Castle.