Photo source: B4bees from Kinross, Scotland, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Lochleven Castle is a castle in Perth and Kinross, cared for by Historic Environment Scotland. Read about its history and architecture, plus how to visit and what's nearby.
About Lochleven Castle
Lochleven Castle stands on an island in Loch Leven, in Perth and Kinross, Scotland.
The tower house dates from the 14th century.
Mary, Queen of Scots was held here in 1567 and 1568, and was forced to abdicate before escaping with help from her gaoler's family.
Historic Environment Scotland looks after the site, and visitors reach the island by ferry in the summer months.
Read more on WikipediaHistory of Lochleven Castle
The castle passed to the Douglas family in the late 14th century, and they held it for about 300 years. Mary's gaoler, Sir William Douglas, became 6th Earl of Morton in 1588, after which the castle was used less. In 1675 the architect Sir William Bruce bought the estate and kept the ruin as a focal point for his gardens, aligning Kinross House with it.
Architecture of Lochleven Castle
The tower house is a five-storey keep dating from the 14th century. The round Glassin Tower was added to the south-east corner of the curtain wall, probably around 1550.
Worth knowing
Mary, Queen of Scots met the reformer John Knox at Lochleven in 1563, years before her imprisonment there, and Robert the Bruce is recorded as visiting the castle in 1313 and 1323.
Plan your visit to Lochleven Castle
Places to visit near Lochleven Castle
Kinross House
View Kinross House on heritage mapBurleigh Castle
View Burleigh Castle on heritage mapDogton Stone
View Dogton Stone on heritage mapHistoric places nearby
Within 5 miles of Lochleven Castle there are 2 historic properties, including 1 historic building and 1 historic house, across Historic Houses and Historic Environment Scotland sites.
Within 10 miles of Lochleven Castle there are 8 historic properties, including 3 castles and 2 historic buildings, across Historic Environment Scotland, Historic Houses and National Trust for Scotland sites.
Within 20 miles of Lochleven Castle there are 56 historic properties, including 14 historic buildings, 11 castles and 10 historic houses, across Historic Environment Scotland, National Trust for Scotland and Historic Houses sites.
Facts
The island prison where Mary, Queen of Scots lost her crown, reachable only by boat.
- Type
- castle
- Location
- Perth and Kinross, Scotland
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