Denmylne Castle is a privately owned three storey 16th century tower house that once included a courtyard.

The are gun loops and some fine decorative stone work. This lovely tower house would make a fabulous restoration project.

Access to the castle is strictly by private arrangement but it can be seen from the roadside.

~ History ~

1424 ~ Murdoch Stewart, Earl of Fife and son of the late and all powerful Robert Stewart, Duke of Albany and Regent of Scotland, has his lands forfeited by King James II of Scotland.

1451 ~ King James grants Denmylne to James Balfour.

1460 ~ James Balfour is killed at the siege of the English held Roxburgh Castle.

1501 ~ King James confirms the lease of Denmylne to James Balfour's son John, along with "the old fortified tower of Denmylne"

1513 ~ John Balfour is killed fighting King Henry VIII's English army at the Battle of Flodden.

King James IV of Scotland is also killed in the same battle alongside the majority of his nobles.

John's son Patrick inherits his father's estates.

1550's ~ Patrick's son and heir Alexander, inherits his father's estates, extending Denmylne Castle.

1625 ~ Further building work on the castle is undertaken by Alexander's son Michael Balfour.

1639 ~ Sir Michael's son, Sir James Balfour of Denmylne is appointed Lord Lyon King of Arms. He later officiates at the coronations of both King Charles I and King Charles II.

1652 ~ Sir Michaeal Balfour, a member of King Charles II royal household, now in his seventies dies.

His son and heir James, dies just a few years later, leaving six-year old Robert to inerit the family's estate.

1673 ~ Robert is killed in a duel. His brother Alexander inherits the family's fortune but he too dies within a year of his brother. Once more Denmylne castle and the family's estates are held by a minor, his son and heir Micheal.

1698 ~ Micheal Balfour is succeeded by his son, another Michael. Unfortunately, by this time the family's finances are in a very poor state.

1709 ~ Unable to restore the family's fortune and with debts continuing to rise, he sets out on horseback and vanishes into the night. He is later found dead in a coal pit, apparently from a fall. Creditors take control of the family's estates. The neglected castle falls into decline. Micheal's brother David becomes Laird of Denmylne, to be later followed by his son and grandson, both called Micheal.

1772 ~ Micheal Balfour is followed in turn by his younger brother's Sir John and then Sir Patrick Balfour.

By the time Sir John dies, Denmylne is sold to the Scotts of Balcomie.

1840 ~ The unwanted castle is recorded as being in ruins.