Hailes Castle access to be maintained after it is sold

Hailes Castle, near East Linton, has a rich history dating back more than 800 years and has links to the war for Scottish independence and Mary Queen of Scots. It is one of Scotland’s oldest stone castles.

The castle, which is privately owned but managed by HES, has been put into an online auction next Thursday (March 21) at an opening bid price of £284,000.

The castle itself has been closed since January 2022 due to erosion. HES says the castle is closed while “high-level masonry inspections” are carried out. The grounds of the castle still remain open and HES has stressed that that will remain the case following any sale.

Auctioneers Future Property Assets describe the property as a “superb development opportunity”, though any development on the land would require planning consent from East Lothian Council.

The castle is associated with the de Gourlay and the Hepburn noble families. Mary Queen of Scots’ third husband James Hepburn, fourth earl of Bothwell, may have been born in the castle, according to HES. He fled into exile after Mary’s capture in 1567.

The castle’s days as a stronghold ended with Oliver Cromwell’s invasion in 1650.

The news of the sale has caused some concern among residents, with one member of the public describing it as “tragic”.

READ MORE: Historic 13th-century castle to be sold at auction

However, HES has stressed that it will continue to manage the site on behalf of Scottish Ministers and that public access will be protected.

A spokesperson said: “Hailes Castle is one of our sites where a guardianship agreement is in place. This means the owner can sell the property. The transfer of ownership, however, doesn’t impact the guardianship agreement or our management of the site on behalf of Scottish Ministers.

“Public access to the castle will not change if the title to the property passes to a new owner.”

HES also confirmed that inspections had been carried out on the site and a review was to be carried out on works needed at the castle.

They said: “High-level masonry inspections have taken place as part of a wider programme that is looking at the impact of climate change, in combination with other factors on historic sites.

“The inspection results were assessed and determined that repairs are required at the site, and these works are currently being reviewed.

“The grounds to the south of the castle are open; however, access to the castle remains restricted until works have been carried out.”

'A real pity'

Craig Hoy, South Scotland MSP, said it was imperative that the new owners had respect for this agreement, and that public access was restored to the castle soon.

He said: “It is very disappointing to learn that Hailes Castle is being put up for sale.

“It is important that access to this site of historic interest is restored and maintained, and the terms of HSE’s management and guardianship agreement are kept in place by any new owner.

“It is, however, still a real pity that this is being seen as a ‘development opportunity’.”

Judith Priest, chair of Dunpender Community Council, was concerned about how the sale would impact the area.

She said: “Hailes Castle is an iconic building in a stunning setting, part of our heritage.

“On investigating, it seems that the castle is only ‘maintained free of charge by HES’ and apparently was purchased by an American some years ago.

“HES have been repairing the castle for years and it hasn’t been open to the public for what feels like years either. It’s unlikely anyone could build there, as it has no services and surely planning wouldn’t permit it.

“If the Lammermuirs are to be covered with massive wind turbines, batteries and huge access roads destroying ancient woodland and gentle country lanes then we may as well build a load of houses along the Tyne valley as well – so much for tourism.”

The auction starts at 10am next Thursday and will close at 3pm.

Go to tinyurl.com/hailessale to make online bids and lodge offers.