Loch Leven Castle

Perth and Kinross, United Kingdom

Open to visitors

The interior is normally open, possibly ticketed.

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Lochleven Castle is a ruined fortress on an island in Loch Leven, Perth and Kinross, Scotland, possibly constructed around 1300. The castle saw military action during the Wars of Scottish Independence before passing to William Douglas, 1st Earl of Douglas, in the late 14th century, remaining under Douglas control for three centuries. It achieved historical prominence as the prison of Mary, Queen of Scots, from 1567 to 1568, where she was forced to abdicate before escaping with aid from her gaoler's family. Following the gaoler's departure in 1588 upon inheriting the earldom of Morton, the castle was purchased by architect Sir William Bruce in 1675, who repurposed it as a focal point within his garden rather than a residence. Now a scheduled monument managed by Historic Environment Scotland, the remains are accessible to visitors by ferry during summer months.

Built: 1300
Type: castle
Heritage: scheduled monument
Place: Perth and Kinross, United Kingdom

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Location

56.20080, -3.39179