Burleigh Castle
Burleigh Castle is a striking Jacobean tower house with medieval roots. Its most eye‑catching feature is a dramatic corner tower. Round at the base and square at the top, it was designed to impress as much as to defend. Steeped in stories of noble ambition, royal visits and Jacobite rebellion, Burleigh offers a vivid glimpse into Scotland’s turbulent past.
The Balfours of Burleigh
Sir John Balfour acquired the lands of Burleigh in about 1445, and his descendant Robert, 5th Lord Burleigh lost them in 1716, following his involvement in the failed Jacobite Rising of 1715.
An earlier castle
The square tower house seen today was built around 1500, when Burleigh Castle formed part of a much larger complex than survives now. It originally rose to three storeys with an attic, and was crowned by a parapet with small corner turrets on three sides. The fourth corner held a caphouse — a small watch room that also provided access to the roof parapet. The tower house stood on the corner of a large square courtyard extending to the south and east, though today only the round‑arched entrance and the round tower (which was altered in 1582) remain.
Grand Jacobean Designs
Today, the castle is best known for its unusual corner tower, which is round at the base but square at the top. This striking and decorative feature was added in 1582 by Sir James Balfour of Pittendreich and his spouse Margaret Balfour, heiress of Burleigh, and is a notable example of Jacobean architectural showmanship.
Royal connections
Burleigh Castle was a convenient royal stopping place in the 16th century. Mary of Guise visited in January 1540 while travelling to Falkland Palace. Later, James VI of Scotland stayed at Burleigh on several occasions between 1587 and 1596, underlining the castle’s status and comfort.
Statement of Significance
You can find out more about Burleigh Castle in our series of special documents outlining the history and development of Historic Scotland sites.
A horrible crime
Local tradition adds drama to the castle’s story. According to legend, the “Lord of Burleigh” killed a rival in a jealous rage. This tale closely reflects the real-life actions of Robert Balfour, who was tried for murder in 1707 after shooting a schoolteacher who had married the woman he loved. Though he sensationally escaped imprisonment, it was his later Jacobite activities that finally cost the family their lands.
Discover more on trove.scot
See archive photographs of Burleigh Castle, plus archaeology notes and more on trove.scot.
