Strathendry Castle is a rectangular three story keep with a courtyard surrounded by 19th century range of buildings. Within the courtyard is also a well to supply the castle.

The castle is a private residence so access to the castle is by appointment only. You can however view the castle from outside via a small rough track that runs from the main road.

On the way to the castle, you will pass the ruins of a small tower or chapel on your right.

~ History ~

1333 ~ The Forrester clan fight at the Battle of Halidon Hill during the Wars of Independence against King Edward III of England. Led by Sir Archibald Douglas for the young King David, the Scottish forces are defeated in trying to relieve the key strategic border castle and town of Berwick-upon-Tweed. Thousands of Scots are massacred in the marshy ground against the English archers and cavalry. Berwick surrenders to the English.

1370's ~ Sir Adam Forrester, a successful and influential merchant receives the title of ambassador along with his role as Keeper of the Great Seal of Scotland and Deputy Chamberlain. His castle and seat is at Cortorphine Castle in Edinburgh. These titles and estates in turn will pass to his son John.

1488 ~ King James III of Scotland faces a serious rebellion by his nobles who declare for his son in order to remove the unpopular King. In order to break the rebellion James agrees to negotiate but instead strikes towards Linlithgow Palace where his son is held. This breaking of his word causes some of his strong supporters to desert him, but not the loyal Forrester's. He crosses the river with his loyal followers to Blackness Castle near Linlithgow but is forced back. He is forced to flee, leaving behind those he had given as hostages to the rebels.

Later in the years James again strikes, this time advancing on Stirling, taking the rebels by surprise, driving them southwards. He secures the town but not the castle of Stirling. The rebels regroup and march against the King, who is killed in Battle. His fifteen year old son becomes King James IV of Scotland.

1496 ~ The castle passes by marriage to the Forrester's of Carden and Skipinch.

1500's ~ Mary, Queen of Scots visits the castle.

1513 ~ Sir John Forrester of Niddry dies with members of his clan at the Battle of Flodden for King James IV of Scotland who has invaded Northumberland. The English army of King Henry VIII is commanded by Queen Catherine of Aragon. The ensuing battle becomes the largest ever fought between England and Scotland, resulting in a decisive English victory and the death of King James IV.

1547 ~ Sir James Forrester is killed at the Battle of Pinkie Cleugh along with 6,000 Scots against 600 English casulties. Although the Scots have suffered a resounding defeat, the Scottish government refuse to come to terms with King Henry VIII for the infant Queen Mary to be betrothed to his son, the young Prince Edward. Instead, the young Queen Mary is smuggled out of the country to France to be betrothed to the young dauphin Francis, the future King of France, King Henry's arch enemy.

1650's ~ Oliver Cromwell and his troops briefly visit the castle.

1679 ~ James Baillie, son in law to the late Sir George Forrester, inherits his father-in-law titles and estates along with his brother William. As a Royalist James is fined by Oliver Cromwell with the estates burdened with debt. He is then murdered by his mistress, Mrs Christian Nimmo. His brother who by this point had gone mad, inherits the estates and titles.

1700's ~ The Douglas's of Kirkness acquire the castle through marriage.

1715 ~ During the Jacobite Rising Colonel George Forrester is wounded at the Battle of Preston.

1750's ~ The young Adam Smith, later Author of "The Wealth of Nations" is kidnapped from the castle by a party of gypsies.

1882 ~ The castle passes to the Clephanes of Carslogie.

1824 ~ The castle is much altered and extended by William Burn and again twenty years later by David Bryce.