Elcho Castle

A castle with immense beauty on the banks of the River Tay, Elcho Castle is a complete 16th century fortified mansion.

Though Elcho Castle may not be as well-known as some other Castles, it is a castle that you can really explore. It was used as a fine country retreat for the wealthy Wemyss family, but by the mid-1700s Elcho was no longer used as a noble residence.

Little is known of its uses in the 18th and 19th centuries, although it was re-roofed in the 1800s. Remarkably though, the castle remains in very good repair and the Wemyss family entrusted it into state care in 1930 and today is managed by Historic Environment Scotland.

Climb the grand staircase, clamber up the service stair, take a wander down to the kitchen and step out onto the high battlements and admire the jaw-dropping views of the surrounding countryside.

Make sure you have a look out for the unmistakeable sight of the gun holes at ground level. There’s an orchard on the grounds that has been replanted in more recent years and there you will find traditional varieties of apple, pear and plum. It’s also a haven for butterflies and other wildlife including pipistrelle bats, brown long-eared bats, barn owls and grey squirrels.

Elcho Castle is closed between 1 October and 2 April. Please check the Historic Environment Scotland website for updates.