Crichton Castle

Crichton Castle
Crichton, Midlothian, Scotland UK grid reference NT380613
Aerial view of Crichton Castle and stables
Crichton Castle
Coordinates	55°50′28″N 2°59′22″W / 55.8411°N 2.9895°W / 55.8411; -2.9895
Type	Tower house and courtyard
Site information
Owner	Historic Environment Scotland
Controlled by	Crichton family Earl of Bothwell
Open to the public	Yes
Condition	Ruined
Site history
Built	Late 14th century
Built by	John de Crichton (d.1406)

Crichton Castle is a ruined castle near the village of Crichton in Midlothian, Scotland. It is situated at the head of the River Tyne, 2 miles (3.2 km) south of the village of Pathhead, and the same distance east of Gorebridge.

Constructed as a tower house in the late 14th century, it was expanded as the power of the Crichton family grew. However, the Crichtons fell from favour in the later 15th century, and the castle passed to the Earls of Bothwell. Francis Stewart, 5th Earl of Bothwell, constructed the Italianate north range in the 1580s, featuring an elaborate diamond-patterned facade. After Bothwell was accused of witchcraft the castle fell into neglect. The ruins are now in the care of Historic Environment Scotland, and are open to the public. A mile to the south-west is Borthwick Castle, a 15th-century tower house that is still in use.