Hailes Castle was the third castle to be visited in the same day utilising Historic Scotland's Explorer pass with Dirleton and then Tantallon being the first two.
Where is it?
Hailes Castle according to the Historic Scotland site is situated in East Linton, which again should be within easy travelling distance of Edinburgh. Unfortunately it isn't in East Linton! After some 15 minutes or so of fruitless searching (Historic Scotland again having no concept of directional roadside signs) the decision was made to try to locate Crichton Castle instead which according to the maps and satellite navigation was a short drive away.
On the way to Crichton Castle, Hailes Castle (or at least the signs for it) were eventually spotted. However, travelling at sixty miles per hour on a busy dual carriageway made it unrealistic to stop so the journey continued to Crichton Castle. This castle is actually where you expect to find it having travelled through the small hamlet of Crichton. Parking in the small car park next to the collegiate church, the castle is not immediately noticeable set, as it is, in undisturbed landscape. However, once you have walked the few hundred metres along the track (really just flattened grassland) you can appreciate just how lonely and serene the area is and how imposing the castle must have been dominating the River Tyne valley.
Is it worth visiting ?
The castle is like many of the other Historic Scotland properties now in a ruined state and is only a suitable day out for those interested in Scottish history and castles in particular. However, this castle certainly was a much more enjoyable place compared to the other two (Dirleton and Tantallon) to visit due to the highly entertaining guide, Robin. His depth of knowledge of the castle, along with the anecdotes and stories which often changes a visit from the mundane to the interesting and memorable certainly has an impact on this experience.
The castle itself stands out due to the unique (and in many respects quite strange) diamond-faceted red stonework facade on the north range. It immediately “hits you” as soon as you walk into the entrance courtyard and your eyes are immediately drawn to it. Depending on where you live, it will appear to be either concrete paving slabs which restrict where you actually walk or sound proofing boards used in music rooms or studios. However, as this feature was designed in the 1580's it isn't likely to be either. It has become Crichton Castle's trademark feature and was hand carved from stone not concrete.
Another strange feature is the stable building which is visible as you approach the castle itself. The reason for this uniqueness is that few people will actually think it is a stable block, built as it is in the style of a small chapel (and having seen the location you will probably also draw this early conclusion) These two unique characteristics along with the helpful guide makes the castle worth a visit.
It does have a level of historical importance but is perhaps the setting and the unique features which makes this castle worth a visit but with a few caveats. Similar to Tantallon. the narrow staircases and overall location also makes unsuitable for those who are even slightly unsteady on their feet. There is also little to entertain younger children unless they have a real interest in history, have previously read up on the castle or are looking for nice scenery. In addition, as a ruin clearly the castle has no roof to speak of and therefore it isn't for a rainy day.
Blair Logie - A native and resident of Scotland. Widely travelled within own country and member of a variety of tourist organisations. Prepared to give ...
