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Duns Castle is both a private residence and an idyllic venue for a variety of special events where guests can take advantage of the fabulous accommodations. The estate is partnered with the Scottish Wildlife Trust and has its own nature reserve, great for birdwatching, fishing, hiking, and much more.
Visiting Duns Castle
Parking
On-site for guests
Price
For exclusive use stays, prices start at £2975 per night (including VAT)
All events and bookings are unique - Contact the owners for a quote tailored to your gathering
Opening
Year round for events
Accommodations & Booking Availability
Duns Castle can be booked year-round for weddings, corporate functions, private parties, and other exclusive-use events
Accommodation is available for 23 guests in the castle and 33 guests in cottages
The dining room seats up to 60 guests
Day-only bookings are accepted mid-week and during off-peak weekends for visits without accommodations
Location & Access
About 1-hour southeast from Edinburgh: Take the A1 to the A6122 from Grantshouse - Access is via Castle Street
The main entrance is opened for weddings and special events
Helicopter landings can also be accommodated
Visit the Duns Castle website for train, taxi, and coach information
Know Before You Go
Outdoor activities such as clay pigeon shooting, off-road driving, archery, croquet, and more can be arranged upon request - see the Duns Castle website for details
History of Duns Castle
This 600-year old historic border tower has expanded considerably in the hands of three prominent Scottish families who have occupied over the centuries. Though the castle has been modernised for comfort, its decor spans from the 17th century onwards for a timeless atmosphere that is truly unique.
Time Line
-1320 (Original Structure Built)
Thomas Randolph, 1st Earl of Moray, built a keep on the lands of Duns, which were granted to him by his uncle, Robert the Bruce. He lived there with his wife, Isabel, who was the daughter of John Stewart of Bonkyl.
-1332
Upon Randolph’s death, it appears the castle was passed to Patrick V, 9th Earl of March.
-1334
One year after the Battle of Halidon Hill, King Edward III of England granted the manor of Duns (and Chirnside) to Thomas de Bradsestan.
-1545 (Original Keep Possibly Razed)
It is believed the castle was damaged, possibly during the Rough Wooing when the town of Duns was destroyed by fire. The original keep was supposedly incorporated into an L-shaped expansion, though when this work was done is unknown (Architectural historians have assessed the dating of this part of the castle to be from the 15th-16th century).
-1639 (Soldier Accommodation)
General Alexander Leslie, 1st Earl of Leven, was housed in the castle during the First Bishops’ War. His Scottish army of Covenanters, fighting nearby to protect freedom of worship in Scotland, was quartered at the castle to block an English advance into the land.
As it were, neither side desired to fight. Instead, negotiations started that ultimately led to the war ending with the Peace of Berwick (also called the Pacification of Berwick and the Treaty of Berwick).
-1670
Sir James Cockburn purchased the castle and the town of Duns.
-1696/8 (Castle Acquired by Hay Family)
The land of Duns was sold to William Hay of Drummeizier (The castle has been owned by the Hay family ever since).
-1730s (Hen House Built)
Willam Hay’s wife, Elizabeth, supposedly had the west wing of the castle built at this time when William was ill. Tradition has it that William inquired about what was causing all the noise whilst the rather large extension was being built, and Elizabeth replied it was merely “a wee bit hen-hoose.” To this day, this part of the structure is known as “the hen house.”
Notably, Elizabeth was Lady Elizabeth Seton, a direct descendant of Mary Seton. Mary was one of Mary Queen of Scots’ ladies-in-waiting, the “Four Marys,” and the castle has several ties to the family.
-c.1760
William’s son, Alexander, is credited with building the Pavilion Gateway while he held the castle.
-c.1780
When Alexander passed the estate to his son, Robert, the castle was featured within a massive and ornate landscape featuring a formal garden and an artificial loch. Robert proceeded to make his own additions, including a walled garden and stable block. However, all this work proved rather costly.
-1791-1798
Architect John Baxter was hired to remodel the castle.
-1813
When Robert died, he passed the estate and his debts to his son, William.
-1816-1822 (Gothic Transformation)
Despite the financial troubles, William carried out a substantial transformation of the castle, including building the offices and the semi-circular tower on the north side. Architect James Gillespie Graham and builder William Waddell were hired to create this Gothic castle, and Sir John Robert Steell, noted sculptor, carved the interior woodwork.
-20th Century-Present
Parts of the estate were sold due to the family’s economic circumstances, and some of the previous landscape features of the castle were lost, including the walled garden.
The castle is still owned currently by the Hay family, who reside in private quarters and manage the rest of the estate for guests, as it serves as a catering venue for weddings, corporate events, and private stays or parties. Duns Castle has also been used as a filming location, featured in Mrs. Brown, starring Dame Judi Dench, and the T.V. series Charles and Diana.
Duns Castle Occupants
The earlier history of Duns Castle is largely unknown. Yet, it is believed to have passed through several owners for the better part of four centuries before William Hay acquired it circa 1696. The castle has since been home to the Hay family, owned today by Alick and Aline Hay, who live in the castle whilst operating the estate as a guest property for special events and gatherings.
Duns Castle Q&A
What Type of Castle Was Duns Castle?
Duns Castle was built as a fortified tower house.
When Was Duns Castle First Built?
The oldest part of the castle is the large Norman keep, dating back to 1320.
How Big Was Duns Castle?
The original medieval peel tower, or keep, was the entire castle for quite some time and later evolved into an L-shaped house. Multiple additions and expansions were carried out, and the current landscape design traces back to William Hay, who significantly enhanced the existing grounds and transformed the house into a Gothic castle by the early-19th century.
Today, the crenellated baronial Tudor mansion is four-storeys tall, with the initial 14th-century chamber serving as the main dining room, capable of accommodating sixty table settings. The castle has twelve bedrooms, ten bathrooms (most ensuite), and private residential quarters. The 1200-acre (485.62-hectare) estate is filled with woods, fields, and hills where pheasants and roe deer abundantly roam as ground-game.
The property also has an additional 25 ancillary buildings, seven of which are cabins available for private stays, two man-made lakes, and a publicly accessible park.
What Was the Main Use of Duns Castle?
The castle is believed to have served as a Border fighting castle, though it seems it was primarily a residence once it was built. Though it was possibly used for military or political matters from time to time, as seen when it housed the Covenanters in 1639.
Since the Hay family purchased the estate, Duns Castle has remained a family-occupied residence.
Is Duns Castle Haunted?
The castle is rumored to be haunted by Alexander Hay after his 1815 death at the Battle of Waterloo, who supposedly makes an appearance “every now and then.”
How Can I Visit the Castle?
Whilst there is a publicly accessible park on the estate, the castle cannot be visited without booking the site for an event, which can be costly. Yet the current owners are accommodating to many kinds of gatherings, even short, day-only events that provide you access to the entire castle, which you are then free to explore and enjoy.
Location of Duns Castle
Duns Castle stars as the centrepiece of a stunning, 1200-acre (485.62-hectare) estate that includes a nature reserve sponsored by Scottish Wildlife Trust. It is completely secluded, yet five minutes away from the town of its namesake in the Scottish Borders, about an hour’s travel southeast of Edinburgh.