Fatlips Castle

[pdcorlis]

Fantastic photo tour - thanks for sharing with the rabble!

[cessna152towser]

Switchblade5984 wrote:-

great shots! is it public access or not?

btw what tartan is that?

No, Fatlips Castle is not officially open and you are unlikely to find it mentioned in any guide books. It was originally built for the Turnbulls of Barnhill in the 16th century. One story is that Fatlips was the descriptive nickname of the original laird, although another is that Fatlips was a goat which allegedly grazed nearby and would run to the castle to alert its occupants of approaching invaders! A previous Earl of Minto had some restoration carried out in the 19th century and Minto estates used it as a private museum for their artefacts until about fifty years ago, since when it has fallen into dereliction. I believe that the local Council would prefer Minto Estates to seal off access due to such dangers as slipping on the spiral staircase which is thickly covered in bird guano; falling from the second and third landings of the turret into the Laird's Hall; falling off the parapet; or being struck by falling timbers. Very few people visit it because there is no publicity or signage and it is difficult to reach so it is a spooky and lonely place. Compare with the similar Greenknowe Tower which is in the care of Historic Scotland who have carried out safety works such as railing off points where there is a sheer drop.
http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/s...ght=Greenknowe
I know of several towerhouses closer to public roads which have been restored as private residences.
The kilt is an all black wool heavyweight.

[TimC]

AWESOME! Absolutely awesome. Thanks for sharing.

-Tim

[McClef]

Looks like there are a few interesting old buildings within sight of the Eildon Hills!

[Scott Gilmore]

... I know of several towerhouses closer to public roads which have been restored as private residences.

Wonderful. Glad to hear such noble buildings are being kept alive through use.

Thanks for the pictures. That was a great tour.

Regards,
Scott Gilmore

[Mike50]

Wonderful pictures! Can you imagine living in that castle in its hay day?
What a breathtaking view to walk out and see every morning.
It would certainly lift my spirits.
Thanks for sharing

[starbkjrus]

Thanks for the pics AND the Fatlips explanation - I was going to have to ask.

[Pour1Malt]

excellent pics!

ta Alex....

ai'd like that fur a wee summer cottage...

[cessna152towser]

Good idea, Robertson. It would be nice to see this 16th century towerhouse fulfilling a role either as a tourist attraction or as a private house again, though the hilltop location accessible only on foot is against it. The stonework looks to be in sound condition, but timberwork for flooring, window frames, etc. is long overdue for renewal. Because of the current dangerous condition of the interior the owners do not encourage visitors, although they take no active steps to deter anyone who wants to visit at their own risk. There is a small Armstrong museum just to the south of Hawick; the Pringles are well represented by Smailholm Tower; and a new genealogy centre is planned for Hawick's old Tower Mill, so important Border clans such as Turnbull and Elliot, both of whom feature in the history of Fatlips Castle, could do with having a heritage centre here. I found this interesting piece about the current condition of Fatlips Castle on the Clan Turnbull website. The page in turn contains a further link to John Peters photography which contains a description and photographs from a visitor in 2003.
http://www.turnbullclan.com/main/fatlips_castle.htm

[bubba]

It can be difficult in Scotland to get permission to restore places like this. Quite often the organizations charged with historical preservation prefer they be preserved as ruins.