Historic Edinburgh and Central Scotland Hotels

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.

They don�t make them like they used to...

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.

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.

Borthwick Castle
North Middleton, Midlothian. EH23 4QY

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�

Avoid the new... The following may not necessarily be linked to famous figures or events, but all offer accommodation in historic surroundings. Click on the links for further tariff and availability information.

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

Mar Hall. Nr GLASGOW. 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.co.uk | LateRooms

Shieldhill Castle. Nr BIGGAR. 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