Kellie Castle

Kellie Castle, Fife

Photograph by Karen Bryan. Some rights reserved. (view image details)

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KELLIE CASTLE FACTS

Location
Pittenweem, Fife

Description
Kellie Castle is situated about 3 miles north of Pittenweem in the East Neuk of Fife, Scotland. Kellie Castle was originally a simple tower house. The lower section of the northwest tower is the oldest part of the castle, dating from around 1360. In 1573 a new tower was built by the 4th Lord Oliphant to the east of the original tower. Between 1573 and 1606 the two towers were linked by a new range, and a third tower in the south-west, creating a T-plan layout. The castle is a good example of Scottish Baronial architecture, with fine corbelled towers, and chimneys.

Architecture
Scottish Baronial T-plan

History
The earliest records of Kellie go back to 1150. The first known owner was Robert of London, son of King William the Lion. The estate passed to the Oliphant family in 1360 and the castle remained in the Oliphant family until 1613. It was then purchased by Sir Thomas Erskine, Earl of Mar, who had saved the life of King James VI during the Gowrie Conspiracy by killing Sir Alexander Ruthven. King James VI stayed at Kellie in 1617 during his only visit to Scotland after the Union of the Crowns.

The Erskines occupied the castle until early 19th century, after which the castle lay abandoned for many years. In 1878 it was rented by James Lorimer, a Professor of Law at Edinburgh University, and father to Sir Robert Lorimer, the renowned Scottish architect. The Lorimer family restored the castle and it became the family home. The walled garden was built in the 17th century, with late Victorian additions. Hew Lorimer sold the castle and gardens the National Trust for Scotland in 1970. The main castle contents were given into the care of the Trust by the Secretary of State for Scotland. The castle and gardens are open to the public.

Date
14th century

Other Castles in the Area
  Balgonie Castle
  Ballinbreich Castle
  Broughty Castle
  Claypotts Castle
  Dairsie Castle
  Dirleton Castle
  Dudhope Castle
  Edinburgh Castle
  Falkland Palace
  Hailes Castle
  Kinnaird Castle