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Loch Leven Castle is on an Island in Lock
Leven, at the town of Kinross, 28 miles north
of Edinburgh, 30 miles southwest of
St
Andrews, built from the 1200s for an
unknown Clan, passing to Clan Douglas in the
1300s.
The Castle can be visited most of the year.
It is closed in winter from 1st November to
30th March.
There is a small entrance fee to explore the
Castle. Postcode: KY13 8UF
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The image top is of Kinross Pier with a
booking office for trips to Loch Leven Castle,
information on the 12 mile walk around the
loch, small cafe, and The Boathouse bar diner
with views over the Loch.
The Pier can be found by following signs at
the bottom of Kinross High Street.
Boats run from 10.00 to 16.00, one if not
busy, two when busy. The Island is a quiet
place to spend some time and explore the
Castle. Information boards give the history of
the Castle and show what each room was used
for.
Loch Leven Castle History
1200s - Loch Leven Castle is built for an
unknown Clan.
The Town of Kinross grew around the Castle
as a staging post for travelers between south
Scotland and Perth.
1296–1357 - the Castle is fought over during
the First War of
Scottish Independence with the English forces
gaining control.
The Castle was soon re-taken by Scots,
thought to be by forces of William Wallace.
1323 - Robert the Bruce stayed at the
Castle, using it as a Prison.
1300s - after the Wars of Independence, the
Castle was acquired by William Douglas, 1st
Earl of Douglas, one of Robert the Bruce's most
trusted friends.
1329 - Robert the Bruce dies leaving his 5
year old son David II as King of Scotland.
1332 – 1357 - the Second War of
Scottish Independence takes place with the
English trying to overthrow David II.
1335 - the English laid siege to Loch Leven
Castle. Forces at Loch Leven Castle held
out.
1357 - the Treaty of Berwick ended the war
with David II remaining King of Scotland.
1400s - the Balfours had Burleigh Castle
built 2 miles north of Loch Leven Castle.
1546 - Margaret Erskine and her son William
Douglas built a Mansion House on the shore of
the Loch named Newhouse. This replaced the
Castle as their main residence, with the Castle
still used at times for security.
1565 - Mary Queen of
Scots visited Sir William Douglas at Loch
Leven Castle, a good friend at the time.
1576 February - the Husband of Mary, Lord
Darnley was murdered in Edinburgh. Some people
claimed Mary was behind the murder.
1567 April - Mary marries James Hepburn
/Earl of Bothwell, who was accused of murdering
her husband. This led to uprisings in
Scotland.
1567 June - the Battle of
Carberry Hill by Edinburgh takes place. The
Battle ended with Mary surrendering to the
forces of a number of Scots Lords. These Lords
wanted Mary to step down so her infant Son
could become King.
Mary was then taken to Loch Leven Castle to
be held prisoner.
1568 - Mary escapes from the Castle, fleeing
to England where she was imprisoned by
Elizabeth I, Queen of England.
1587 - Mary is executed by beheading in the
Great Hall of Fotheringhay
Castle in central England
1675 - Sir William
Bruce, the famous Scottish Architect,
bought the House, Castle and lands at Loch
Leven from the Douglass.
1685 - Bruce built Kinross House next to the
old Douglas Mansion, with views out to Loch
Leven Castle. The Douglas Mansion was
demolished.
Bruce preserved Loch Leven Castle as it
could be viewed from Kinross House.
1700s - Kinross Estate passed to the
Grahams.
1700s late - the Grahams also acquired
Burleigh Castle.
1800s - Kinross Estate was acquired by the
Montgomerys with the Castle left to fall into
ruin.
1939 - Kinross Castle was taken over by
Historic Scotland to serve as a Tourist
Attraction. Burleigh Castle was also acquired
by Historic Scotland to serve as a tourist
attraction.
2010 - an English businessman named Donald
Fothergill bought Kinross House and Estate. The
House is now available for Weddings and
Functions.
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