Historic Hotels in Edinburgh and Mid Scotland: Dalhousie, Melville, more

Dalhousie Castle. Nr Edinburgh

Though the building one sees today dates from the mid fifteenth century, its foundations and impressive vaults are those belonging to a previous castle constructed some two hundred years before.

While minor additions were made in the 1600�s, the structure is pretty much the same as Oliver Cromwell would have known when he occupied the castle in 1648 as a strategic base. Moreover, it also managed to remain standing despite Henry IV laying siege to the place for almost six months in 1400.

Other notable visitors - both friend and foe - include Edward I in 1296, Queen Victoria in 1840, and Sir Walter Scott.

Learn more about Dalhousie Castle via Superbreak | TripAdvisor | Expedia | LateRooms

Melville Castle. Midlothian

Early records suggest that the estate was in existence as long ago as 1155 and owned by an Anglo-Norman Baron by the name of Galfrid de Malleville � Sheriff of Edinburgh.

It isn�t until the sixteenth century, however, that we find connections to more familiar historical names. Indeed, evidence of the presence of former notable guests can be found in the grounds of the castle where, by the stables, one can find a grand Spanish Chestnut tree. This, it is said, was planted by Seigneur David Rizzio, Italian secretary to Mary Queen of Scots, as a token of his affection for her. It is said that she responded in kind by planting five trees along the drive � all survive to this day.

Other monarchs to have visited Melville include George IV in 1828, and the twenty-three year-old Queen Victoria in 1842. Celebrated poet and novelist Sir Walter Scott was also moved to write of �Melville�s Beechy Grove� in �Grey Brother� � one of his earliest pieces of verse. TripAdvisor | Expedia

Borthwick Castle. Midlothian

Once an impressive fortress, Borthwick Castle dates back to 1430. It was here that Mary Queen of Scots enjoyed the hospitality of the 6th Lord Borthwick on numerous occasions - most notably during her honeymoon and, less auspiciously, in 1567 while seeking sanctuary. It is said that during the latter visit the castle was surrounded by a thousand men sent to capture her - Mary only escaping by dressing as a page boy and leaving through a window of the Great Hall.

Almost a century later, Oliver Cromwell laid siege to Borthwick, delivering a less-than-friendly letter to the occupants on November 18th 1650:

�You have harboured such parties in your house as have basely and inhumanly murdered our men, if you necessitate me to bend my cannon against you, you may expect what I doubt you will not be pleased with. I expect your present Answer, and rest your servant.

-- O Cromwell�

Learn more about Borthwick Castle via TripAdvisor

Houstoun House. West Lothian

Historians debate exactly how old Houstoun House really is, but all seem to agree that it was constructed at some point in the mid-16th century. However, prior to it being built the only structure on the estate was a small cottage known as the �Woman House�. Its first owner, Thomas Shairp, was advocate to Mary Queen of Scots, and it is widely believed that it would have been in this building that she was entertained when visiting from Linlithgow Palace.

When development of Houstoun began, the original building was linked to the new castle by means of a high wall forming a fortified courtyard � a feature which remains almost unchanged to this day.
It is said that when Mary Queen of Scots was executed in 1587, Thomas Shairp locked the door to the room in which she had slept and that it was never used again. TripAdvisor | Expedia | Hotel's Own Site

More period and historic accommodation in Edinburgh and mid Scotland

Biggar

Shieldhill Castle. A tower constructed in 1199 forms the core of this fascinating building, with extensions and renovations having taken place over the following centuries. Today it offers sixteen individual en suite bedrooms and four-star hospitality. LateRooms

Carrington

Kirkhill Mansion. An 18th century Dower House, originally the property of one of Scotland�s most influential families: the Dundas� of Arniston. LateRooms

Eaglesham (Nr Glasgow)

Eglinton Arms Hotel. Once a coaching inn, this recently refurbished property is located within Scotland�s very first conservation village. LateRooms

Edinburgh

The George Hotel. A hotel since 1881 (when it was formed from three pre-existing buildings) parts of this city centre hotel date from 1775. Expedia

Witchery by the Castle. At the gates of Edinburgh castle, this 16th century building now houses what might be more accurately referred to as a �restaurant with rooms��. However, it remains a rather special place to stay, and guests can be accommodated in some rather remarkable suites (variously described as �theatrical� and �gothic�). These include The Vestry, The Library, The Sempill, The Armoury, The Guardroom, Old Rectory and The Inner Sanctum. All ideal for the decadent romantic. LateRooms

Prestonfield. Formerly the home of the Lord Mayor of Edinburgh, this luxury hotel dates from the 17th century. LateRooms | Expedia

Freuchie ~ Fife

The Lomond Hills Hotel. With 24 bedrooms overall, this 18th century coaching inn is set at the foot of the hills from which it derives its name. LateRooms

Glasgow

Mar Hall. Built in 1828, Mar Hall is a distinctly gothic house which appears even older than it really is. At one point during its history it was used as a hospital for severely wounded soldiers of the Great War. Expedia | LateRooms

Sherbrooke Castle. Distinctly �Baronial�, the building which houses this 4-star hotel is Victorian rather than centuries old. Only welcoming visitors since the end of World War II, it was used by the Royal Navy during that time. LateRooms

Gleneagles

An Lochan,Tormaukin Country Inn. This award-winning family-run hotel dates from the 18th century. LateRooms

Loch Lomond

De Vere Cameron House. Superb 18th century baronial mansion offering five-star hospitality on the south western shores of the famous Loch. Hotelshop | Superbreak

Best Western Winnock Hotel. Parts of this fine old inn date back to the 1700�s, although the site almost certainly had dwellinghouses upon it well before then. LateRooms | Expedia

Rowardennan Hotel. On the eastern banks of the Loch, this hotel is said to have been built in 1696. LateRooms | Expedia

St. Andrews

MacDonald Rusacks Hotel. This mid-1800�s hotel, overlooking the famous Old Course, is a true golfing landmark. Expedia

Stirling

Golden Lion Hotel. Opened as a hotel in 1786, this city centre hotel has welcomed a few notable members of the Royal family in its time, and also Robbie Burns. Expedia

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