Key facts
- Operator
- Clan Kerr (Marquess of Lothian)
- Condition
- Intact
- Access
- Limited tour days
Pinpoint
The Border stronghold of Clan Kerr, still occupied and open to the public for one month a year via guided tours only. Most reviewers arrive with genuine family history in the castle, and several mention staff going out of their way for an impromptu look at rooms not on the standard route.
Worth the trip
A guided tour through a genuinely still-lived-in clan seat, rare among Scotland's private castles.
Before you go
It only opens in July, Tuesday to Sunday, 1pm-5pm, and reviewers note this isn't well flagged on Google Maps - confirm dates directly before planning a visit.
Ferniehirst Castle's reviews skew very positive, and several visitors describe a personal ancestral connection to the site that made the visit particularly meaningful, with warm words for a knowledgeable tour guide. The one discordant note is a single-star review from a visitor caught out by very limited opening hours (July only, 1-5pm) that weren't clear from Google Maps, so it's worth confirming opening times directly before making the trip.
Open July only, Tue-Sun guided tours
“Only opened in July from 1 pm to 5 pm. 😭”— Chris, visitor review
