CASTLE HISTORY

Ferniehirst Castle, affectionately known as ‘Scotland’s frontier fortress’, is possibly the best-preserved of a distinctive group of highly-prestigious mansions erected by wealthy Border lairds during the closing decades of the 16th century. Spaciously planned and elegantly detailed, it stands hidden in trees, high above the east bank of Jed Water.

Built originally as a ‘peel tower’ in 1476 by Sir Thomas Kerr, Ferniehirst survived centuries of bloody border warfare. It was sacked by the English in 1523, attacked and retaken in 1549 with the help of the French and captured by the English once again in 1570. In 1593 the castle was almost completely demolished by James VI as punishment for the then laird assisting his enemies.

Rebuilt by Sir Andrew Kerr in 1598, it was occupied for two hundred years before falling into decay. The castle we see today is essentially Ferniehirst as rebuilt by Sir Andrew, though the chambers and cellars at ground level date back to 1476.

Between 1934 and 1984 Ferniehirst was leased by the Scottish Youth Hostel Association, with the exception of a period during World War II when it was requisitioned as a billet for troops. The castle opened to the public in 1986.

During recent years, the Kerr family have overseen repairs and restoration work, carefully undertaken by local craftsmen using traditional materials. The results of such pain-staking work is much in evidence today.