| Location | Airth, Stirlingshire, Scotland (Google Maps) |
| Open for Visitors | Yes |
| Owned by | Steven McLeod |
| Official Website | Airth Castle |
| Rooms Available | Yes (Stay, Events, Weddings) |
Standing on the Hill of Airth and above the flood plain of the River Forth, Airth Castle is a beautiful 15th Century castle turned hotel. Airth Castle hotel offers a retreat in the best form with spa facilities, fine dining, and relaxing stays.
History
The history of Airth Castle dates back to the 12th Century when the owners were the ‘de Erth’ family. In 1248, Adam de Erth owned lands that were subdivided into Erth, Elphinstone, Carnock, and Plane in the 13th Century. He also owned the lands of Plane and Elphinstone. A defensive tower is said to have been built on the site by Fergus de Erth in 1309, but it probably replaced an earlier castle. It is now called Wallace’s tower and is the oldest surviving outer part of Airth Castle. It commemorates a raid on the castle by William Wallace, who did it to rescue his uncle, the Priest of Dunipace, held prisoner here.
Around 1394 the lands and barony of Airth became the property of the Bruce family when Sir Edward Bruce from Stenhouse married Agnes Airth. In 1488, the castle was burned following the Battle of Sauchieburn. James III attacked it because the Bruce family supported James IV for the claim to the throne. Robert Bruce of Airth then built the southwest tower of the castle. The Bruces held Airth until 1642 when it passed by marriage to the Elphinstone family.
James Graham, The 4th Marquess and 1st Duke of Montrose, bought the castle in 1717. During 1807-1809, Thomas Graham, grandson of the 1st Duke of Montrose, commissioned the architect David Hamilton to build a new north frontage for Airth Castle. The Graham Family owned the castle until 1920, and in 1971, it was converted into a hotel.
Architecture
Airth Castle is designated as a Category A listed building by Historic Scotland. The castle is situated in 14 acres of wooded parkland and landscaped gardens. It consists of a squat 14th-century tower, now known as Wallace’s Tower. It is three storeys and houses an attic within a crenellated parapet. The east wing has two turrets of different sizes and dates back to the 13th or 14th Century. The corbie-step gabled roof probably dates to the 16th Century when a wing with dormer windows extended the castle. A new wing was also added to the castle in 1581. The castle was significantly altered in the 19th Century, with a new castellated and towered front, obscuring much of the older work. The remains of the former parish church lie near the east side of the castle, with the stable block to the west.
The castle is currently operated as a country retreat hotel and spa. It is regarded as one of Central Scotland’s largest wedding, banqueting, conference, and exhibition venues and can cater for around 800 guests.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Airth Castle?
Airth Castle is located overlooking the village of Airth and the River Forth, in the county of Stirlingshire, in the Falkirk area of Scotland.
Is Airth Castle Hotel haunted?
Yes, one room of the Airth Castle is known to be haunted by the ghost of a 17th-century housekeeper. The story relays that she neglected two children in her care who died in a fire, and she is still searching the building for them.
Have you visited this castle before? If yes, why not share some beautiful pictures with us!
You can email us your pictures of the castle at castrumtocastle@gmail.com. Please use the name of the castle in the subject line.
Also, don’t forget to mention your name and social media profile link if you want the credits!
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Debayan Dey
He is a versatile E-Learning Support Officer and former Academic Officer at the University of York, United Kingdom. Not just an expert in education and technology, Debayan also has a deep love for castles and mountains. With a passion for travel, having explored 168+ cities worldwide, and a keen eye for photography, He brings a unique blend of experiences to the table. Specializing in E-learning content, IT support, AR development, and software engineering, Debayan has made a significant impact, educating over 200,000 students on Udemy.
