Myres Castle

Myres Castle stands as a remarkable example of a 16th-century Scottish Z-plan tower house, located near Falkland in Fife, Scotland. Built around 1530, the castle's history is deeply intertwined with the nearby Falkland Palace and reflects centuries of noble ownership, royal connections, and architectural evolution. Today, Myres Castle is recognized for its distinctive ochre harled exterior, historic stonework, and a magnificent walled garden, all set within extensive grounds of farmland and policies.

Historical background and ownership

The lands that include Myres Castle were originally part of the vast estates of the Earl of Fife. Through marriage, these lands passed to Robert Stewart, Duke of Albany, a powerful Scottish nobleman. However, in 1425, his son Murdoch Stewart forfeited the property, which then reverted to the Crown. Throughout the 16th century, the estate remained under royal ownership, with tenant farmers documented in the Royal Exchequer rolls.

The first recorded resident tenant of the southern quarter of Auchtermuchty, known as "The Myres," was Robert Coxwell, a figure associated with the Scottish Royal Court. This connection underscores the estate's importance within the royal sphere during the Renaissance period.

In later centuries, the castle became closely associated with the Fairlie family, who owned the property from at least the early 20th century until 1997. Notably, James Ogilvy Reginald Fairlie, Chamberlain to His Majesty, resided here before his death in World War I in 1915. His brother, Reginald Fairlie, was a distinguished Scottish architect who contributed to the estate's legacy. The Fairlies made several alterations to the castle and grounds throughout the 20th century.

Architectural features and construction

Z-plan tower house design

Myres Castle originated as a Z-plan fortress around 1530. This design features a rectangular main block with two projecting towers at opposite corners, creating a distinctive silhouette. The castle has two to three full stories, a basement, and an attic, with round stair towers positioned in the inner angles where the wings meet.

Exterior and stonework

The exterior is primarily finished with traditional ochre harling, a roughcast lime plaster that provides weather resistance and characteristic Scottish texture. The castle's square tower, added in 1616, displays exposed grey ashlar stonework and is adorned with intricate garland stonework, heraldic reliefs bearing carved initials, and a parapet. This tower adds a Renaissance flourish to the otherwise defensive medieval structure.

Medieval basement and kitchen

The castle's basement is notable for its Romanesque barrel-vaulted construction, which is likely older than the main building and may date back to the 14th century. This space includes the layout of a medieval kitchen, highlighting the castle's long-standing domestic function and architectural layering over centuries.

Later modifications and restorations

Throughout the 17th and 18th centuries, Myres Castle underwent expansions with the addition of north and west wings around 1700 and again near 1822. In 1872, architect James Campbell Walker carried out repairs and introduced Scottish Baronial elements, such as decorative turrets and ornamental details, blending historic styles with Victorian tastes.

Estate grounds and gardens

The castle is set within approximately 18 hectares (44 acres) of gardens, farmland, and policies (managed woodland). One of the estate's most celebrated features is its walled garden, enclosed by walls exceeding three meters in height, likely dating from the 17th century. This garden boasts gigantic topiary yew trees, elaborate herbaceous borders, a small fishpond, and a vegetable garden.

Additional garden features include a greenhouse, a maze, a tennis court, and a helicopter landing pad, demonstrating the estate's adaptation to modern leisure and utility needs. A pond located in front of the castle serves both as a decorative element and as part of the estate's drainage system, with significant drainage improvements made as recently as the 1970s to manage the historically boggy terrain.

At the property entrance stands a detached Victorian stone gatehouse, which was inhabited as a residence until at least 1997. Nearby, a courtyard cottage provides additional accommodation facilities.

Cultural significance and preservation

Myres Castle is protected as a Category B listed building by Historic Environment Scotland, recognizing its architectural and historic importance. The gardens, sundial, and a statue of Mercury within the grounds also hold listed status, while the gatehouse and gate piers are designated as Category C structures.

The castle's layered history, from its medieval basement to its Renaissance and Victorian architectural features, reflects the broader narrative of Scottish noble residences adapting over centuries. Its connection to the royal court, the Stewart family, and the Fairlie family enriches its heritage value.

Current use and visitor information

Today, Myres Castle operates as a private conference centre and exclusive venue for weddings and events. The castle offers lodging, blending historic charm with modern amenities. Its extensive gardens and picturesque setting make it a sought-after location for private functions, while its architectural and historical significance attract interest from heritage enthusiasts.