There is not much is left of the 15th century Cockburnspath Castle just the remains of its outbuildings and a walled courtyard, all of which is being slowly claimed back by nature.

​Cockburnspath Castle’s ownership passed through several noble Scottish families, the Dunbars, Homes and Sinclairs before being sold to the Douglases then annexed to the crown in 1593. Sometime in the 17th century the castle was abandoned and eventually its stonework started to be removed for other nearby projects like many of Scotland’s Castles.

​Historically this was an important fortress, guarding the bridge that crosses a deep gorge, the fortress once said to have stationed 3,000 men during the conflict between the Dunbar and Douglas families. Cockburnspath was also mentioned by Oliver Cromwell, saying the Scots held the pass preventing any retreat of his men into England.

​A large section of wall fell down in early 2012, and by the look of the roots which have become part of the structure, the rest of the building and the structures around it are on borrowed time. This is one of those little treasures hidden away and almost forgotten by all.