Cruivie Castle is a very ruined massive four storey L-plan 15th tower hidden away on the far side of South Straiton Farm.

It is built on a rocky outcrop with walls still standing to a height of twenty feet with elements of the thick walls breached or robbed. An earlier castle was built by Sir Alexander Kinloch, who feuded with several of his neighbours, culminating in his three sons being slain. It later passed through marriage to the Sandiland family.

Access to the castle is via South Straiton Farm which in itself is tucked quite out of the way along a long narrow track. Upon arriving at the farm it opens up to a house on the left and a track forward and to your right. With consideration we parked at this juncture out of the way against the hedge with other cars. Take the track ahead of you and seek permission to get to the castle, as this is a working farm with heavy machinery.

~ History ~

1509 ~ Sir James Sandilands of Calder grants half the lands of Cruivie "with the mansion" to his uncle.

1540 ~ King James V grants the tower and half the barony of Cruivie to Henry Ramsay.

1583 ~ Margaret Carnegie, co-heiress of Elizabeth Ramsay sells her portion of the estate, including the tower to her father David Carnegie.