Tinnis Castle

Heritage Site in Peeblesshire

Scotland

Tinnis Castle

Farmland above Drumelzier Credit: Colin Park

Tinnis Castle, located in Peeblesshire, Scotland, is a historic heritage site that holds significant architectural and historical value. The castle is situated near the banks of the River Tweed, approximately two miles northeast of Peebles town.

Believed to have been built in the 14th century, Tinnis Castle was initially constructed as a fortified tower house. It was owned by the Tweedie family, a prominent Scottish clan, until the late 17th century. The castle then passed through various hands, including the Hay family and the Marquess of Tweeddale, before falling into a state of disrepair in the 19th century.

The castle's architectural features reflect its medieval origins, with thick stone walls and small windows designed for defense. It consists of a rectangular tower with four storeys and a stone spiral staircase leading to the upper floors. The interior includes a great hall, private chambers, and a vaulted basement.

Despite its dilapidated state, Tinnis Castle still retains its ancient charm and offers visitors a glimpse into Scotland's rich history. Today, the castle is classified as a Category A listed building, recognizing its architectural importance.

Accessible by foot, Tinnis Castle stands on private land, but visitors can admire the exterior and explore the surrounding grounds. Its picturesque setting and historical significance make it a popular destination for history enthusiasts, photographers, and those seeking a tranquil escape in the Scottish countryside.

Show me another place!

If you have any feedback on the listing, please let us know in the comments section below.

Tinnis Castle Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 55.597/-3.357 or Grid Reference NT1434. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Farmland above Drumelzier

Colin Park

Track beside Drumelzier Burn, southeast of Drumelzier

Colin Park

Drumelzier Standing Stone

The standing stone near Drumelzier. Photo taken on the 2nd January 2022.

Rab McMurdo

View towards Drumelzier Law from Dreva Craig

Drumelzier Law rises above low-lying farmland by the River Tweed.

Alan O'Dowd

Lower Slopes of Drumelzier Law

Lovely early autumnal/late summer colours in the hills south of Drumelzier. The differing shades of purple showing that both Common Heather and Bell Heather are in abundance on the hills here.

Adam Ward

Heather in Full Bloom

Sheepfold above the Drumelzier Burn and the lower slopes of Pykestone Hill seen from Finglen Rig. Heather in full bloom and very different to the relatively drab colours seen here in October 2020:- Link

Adam Ward

Scattered trees above Drumelzier

Richard Webb

Merlindale Bridge

Merlindale Bridge crosses the River Tweed on the B712 at Drumelzier . This minor road runs from Hallyn to Rachan. It is the first bridge to take a classified road over the Tweed downstream from the river's source

Colin Kinnear

From the summit of the Dreva road

Looking over Rachan Home Farm to the heathery upper slopes of Logan Head.

Jim Barton

Summit of the Dreva road

The road reaches 260m as it crosses the ridge of Dreva Hill. Trahenna Hill is in the background.

Jim Barton

Rachan Home Farm

The farm seen from the summit of Dreva Craig with the ridge from Logan Head to Drumelzier Law in the background.

Jim Barton

Flood plain of the Tweed, Drumelzier

Flat fields bordering the river seen from the summit of Dreva Craig.

Jim Barton

Dense bracken on Dreva Craig

Getting to grips with a belt of bracken, head-high in places, on the southern slope.

Jim Barton

Former railway bridge, Rachan

A bridge on the former Caledonian railway between Peebles, Broughton, Biggar and Symington. The last passenger service ran in 1950 and this section between Broughton and Peebles closed completely in 1954. For a view of the other side of the bridge, please see NT1234 : Former railway bridge, Rachan.

Jim Barton

Newly sown field by the River Tweed

Dry dusty soil on the alluvial flood plain; looking north over the Tweed, which is behind the low levee, at Drumelzier towards Trahenna Hill.

M J Richardson

Burnfoot Pool on the River Tweed

At Drumelzier, where the Pausayl Burn joins the Tweed, and near where, according to legend, the wizard Merlin was buried.

M J Richardson

The Pausayl Burn at Drumelzier

Just before it flows into the River Tweed. According to legend, at least as old as the 15th century, the wizard Merlin was buried near here, but there is nothing to see, and nothing has ever been recorded, at the place in question. The story may have originated from the discovery of a Bronze Age cist.

M J Richardson