Built 15th century | ||
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Builders cairns castle construction ltd
Cairns Castle is a ruined keep, dating from the 15th century, around 6.5 miles (10.5 km) south west of Balerno, at the south west end of Harperrig Reservoir, in West Lothian, Scotland.
Contents
It may have also been known as Easter Cairns Castle, but this may refer to another castle in the area.
History
This was originally a property of the Crichtons, built for George Crichton, Earl of Caithness, Lord High Admiral of Scotland, but passed to the Tennants from 1542 to 1708.
Structure
The castle has an adjoining wing. It has a vaulted basement, a kitchen on the ground floor, and a Hall above. All floors were reached by a turnpike stair in the corner between the main block and the wing. There were at least three storeys. The kitchen fireplace was converted into an entrance. The entrance tower to the east no longer exists.
It has been a Scheduled Monument since 30 November 1981. It was a category B listed building until it was de-listed in 2015.