Ewes Castle

Heritage Site in Midlothian

Scotland

Ewes Castle

Dead moles near Lugate Bridge A mole catcher usually hangs dead moles on a wire fence to show he has done his job. I always feel sorry for the moles when I see this, but I might think differently if they made a mess of my lawn. — Dead moles near Lugate Bridge Credit: Walter Baxter

Ewes Castle, located in Midlothian, Scotland, is a historical heritage site that holds significant importance in the region's history. The castle, also known as Ewis Castle or Ewies Castle, is an ancient stronghold situated near the village of Eddleston.

Dating back to the 14th century, Ewes Castle was originally built as a defensive structure by the powerful Clan Fraser. It served as a strategic stronghold during the turbulent times of Scottish border conflicts with England. The castle was strategically positioned on a hilltop, offering a commanding view of the surrounding countryside.

The architecture of Ewes Castle reflects its defensive purpose, with thick stone walls, battlements, and narrow windows. Despite several alterations and additions over the centuries, the castle still retains its medieval character. Inside the castle, visitors can explore the ruins of the main tower, which once housed the living quarters and provided a last line of defense.

Ewes Castle witnessed numerous historical events over the years, including the infamous Battle of Eddleston in 1573, where the castle was attacked and partially destroyed. After being abandoned in the 17th century, the castle fell into ruin, and today only its remnants remain.

Today, Ewes Castle stands as a testament to Scotland's rich and tumultuous past. The site attracts history enthusiasts and tourists alike, who come to admire its architectural significance and learn about the region's history. Although it is in a state of disrepair, the castle's atmospheric ruins continue to captivate visitors, offering a glimpse into Scotland's medieval past.

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Ewes Castle Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 55.69/-2.898 or Grid Reference NT4344. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Dead moles near Lugate Bridge

A mole catcher usually hangs dead moles on a wire fence to show he has done his job. I always feel sorry for the moles when I see this, but I might think differently if they made a mess of my lawn.

Walter Baxter

A stoat by the Lugate Water

I watched a stoat dancing around a rabbit and make a kill on the opposite river bank. It spotted me and stood up to check me out, then scampered off. I hid behind a gorse bush for a minute or two and it returned to claim its prize.

Walter Baxter

The remains of Ewes Castle

There is not much to see of this ruined tower house by the Lugate Water. My previous visit was in 2007 NT4344 : Ewes Castle.

Walter Baxter

Farm buildings at Lugate

Walter Baxter

Borders Railway leaving Stow

View northwards to the end of the passing loop.

Richard Webb

Stow Station on the Borders Railway Line

A Class 170 train (No 170431) pulls out of the station heading for Edinburgh, while a Class 158 train (No 158723) arrives for a stop before heading to Galashiels and Tweedbank.

Walter Baxter

A dead greylag goose at Stow railway station

The goose appeared to have been lying on the track for some time.

Walter Baxter

Stow Station on the new Borders Railway

A southbound train enters Stow station on the day (6/9/15) the new line was open to the public.

Walter Baxter

A train at Stow Station on the new Borders Railway

This was the first day (6/9/15) the new line was open to the public and these passengers were taking photos of folk on the platform who were taking photos of them, such was the novelty of the occasion.

Walter Baxter

A train pulling out of Stow Station

This is a northbound train at Stow on the day (6/9/15) that the line was open to the public.

Walter Baxter

Stow Railway Station sign

This is situated on the new Borders Railway route. Stow has an attractive little station.

Walter Baxter

Stow railway station, Scottish Borders

Opened in 1848 on the North British Railway's line from Edinburgh to Carlisle, this station closed in 1969. It was rebuilt and reopened in 2015, the line now terminating at Tweedbank. View north towards Fountainhall and Edinburgh.

Nigel Thompson

The Union of South Africa approaching Stow Station

This steam special on the Borders Railway was heading for Tweedbank Station. ScotRail are running the steam train on the new Borders Railway from Edinburgh to Tweedbank and back to Edinburgh on a Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday between 10th September and 18th October 2015. No 60009 Union of South Africa will haul vintage carriages on the journey. This steam locomotive was built at Doncaster in 1937 and is only one of six remaining LNER Class A4’s. These steam specials have created a lot of interest with the general public and many photographers have been at stations and viewing spots along the route.

Walter Baxter

An old entrance to a field south of Lugate Bridge

It is likely that this entrance with a shaped arch in a beech hedge from the road between Stagehall and Ferniehirst led to the former Masonic Lodge at Haughfoot one mile south of Stow. No trace of the former building survives. The location near the Gala Water is shown on this map Link

The Haughfoot Lodge of Masons existed from 1702 to 1763 while the present day Stow Lodge has been in existence since 1806. (Source: Lodge St John No 216 website)

Walter Baxter

Exit from Stow Railway Station

JThomas

Royal Scot on the Borders Railway

This steam special is heading for Tweedbank and will be hauled back to Edinburgh by a vintage diesel as there is no passing loop or turntable at the Tweedbank terminus. The line at this location near Stow is very close to the A7 road. The vertical fence posts clearly show the camber of the line at this section of the line.

Walter Baxter