Pitcaple Castle is a much extended 'Z' plan tower house that dates back to the 15th century.

Today it is set in 70 acres of private parkland after it was lovingly restored in the 1830's.

~ History ~

1457 ~ The lands of Pitcaple are granted by King James II to David Leslie who builds himself a tower house in order to secure his lands.

Alexander Leslie, 4th Laird of Pitcaple, kills George Leith, starting a fued between the families.

1562 ~ Following King James IV's visit to the castle, Mary, Queen of Scots also pays a visit.

1645 ~ The castle is seized from its Royalist Laird by a party of Covenanters led by Alexander Jaffray

1650 ~ The Marquis of Montrose is imprisoned in the castle on his way to face trial for treason in Edinburgh. Whilst imprisoned in the castle Lady Pitcaple, being his cousin, shows him a way to escape down the latrine. The Marquis replies 'rather than go down to be smothered in that hole, I'll take my chances in Edinburgh'. He is taken for trial at Edinburgh where he is executed.

King Charles II visits the castle later in the same year.

1651 ~ Lieutenant-colonel John Leslie, 7th Laird of Pitcaple, is killed at the Battle of Worcester fighting for King Charles II.

1757 ~ The castle passes through marriage to the Lumsden's when Sir James Leslie dies without an heir. It is later allowed to decay.