Barnbougle Castle

Barnbougle Castle stands on a rocky terrace above the Firth of Forth, between Cramond and Queensferry, within the Earl of Rosebery’s Dalmeny estate. Its name comes from the old British words for ‘shepherd’s hill’ or ‘shepherd’s tree’, pointing to the grazing land behind it. The first tower was built in the 13th century by the Mowbray family, Norman lords of Dalmeny. The present building mostly dates from 1881, when the 5th Earl of Rosebery rebuilt it in Scots Baronial style. Some original masonry remains on the north and east sides. A sundial obelisk was moved into the garden in 1890. The castle is famous for its links to history and legend. Sir John Mowbray fought at Homildon Hill in 1402 and was knighted there. In 1586 the Mowbrays supported Mary, Queen of Scots, and two daughters served her in England. A judicial duel in 1597 drew 5,000 spectators to the Links of Barnbougle. The Roseberys bought the castle in 1662 and still own it today. The 5th Earl used the library here to write his book on Napoleon and practised speeches in a special gallery. Visitors find a three-storey rubble building dressed in ashlar sandstone, with crow-stepped gables and small turrets. A carved panel on the east wall quotes an ancient proverb. Inside, the private library survives as the Earl intended. Outside, the sundial and the surrounding estate offer views over the Forth. The castle garden holds the obelisk moved from its original place. The seaward walls still show traces of the earlier tower.