Huntingtower Castle

Based just a few miles outside of the city centre, Huntingtower Castle is steeped in history. It was visited by Mary Queen of Scots during a rebellion and used as a prison for her son James VI who was held captive here, and it is reputedly haunted by the green lady!

Huntingtower Castle has a unique layout with two closely placed tower houses – built around the late 15th to early 16th centuries – making up this imposing attraction.

Inside, you will find a delicately painted ceiling dating back to the 1540s. Can you uncover the secret hiding place used for Ruthven treasures? A cupboard, within a cupboard, hidden behind a stone – very secretive indeed!

The castle is also said to be haunted by Lady Greensleeves who was the daughter of the 1st Earl of Gowrie. Legend has it that she was in love with one of the castle’s servants and that the pair used to meet in the eastern tower, which was where the servants were housed.  

Nowadays, the castle is in the care of Historic Environment Scotland and is open all year round. There is ramped access into two ground floor rooms but access to upper levels is not suitable for less mobile visitors.