Horsburgh Castle

Horsburgh Castle stands in the Scottish Borders beside the River Tweed, close to the A72 road between Peebles and Galashiels. The ruined tower house dates from the 16th century and was built by the Horsburgh family. Nearby are the villages of Over Horsbrugh and Nether Horsbrugh, along with Kailzie and its gardens. A second ruin, Nether Horsburgh Castle, lies close by. Historic Environment Scotland has designated the site a scheduled monument. The castle’s name appears in different spellings across maps and records. Ordnance Survey maps show it as Horsbrugh Castle, while RCAHMS lists it as Horsburgh Castle. A plaque on the ruins confirms the Horsbrugh spelling. The site is most widely known as Horsburgh Castle in local sources. The castle’s history is tied to the Horsburgh family and their influence in the area. Visitors find a quiet ruin set beside the river, with only parts of the walls still standing. The surrounding landscape includes farmland and the nearby hamlets. Kailzie Gardens offer a peaceful walk just a short distance away. The River Tweed provides a scenic backdrop to the ruins. The area remains largely untouched by modern development, preserving its historic atmosphere.