Tinnies Castle

Tinnies Castle, one of the earliest strongholds of the Tweedies or their predecessors, once dominated the opening of the Strath of Biggar Water to the Tweed, symbolizing significant feudal power. Professor Veitch and other historians have struggled to precisely date these border castles due to their frequent destruction and rebuilding, especially during the early Stuarts’ reigns, suggesting that the remains represent more ancient structures rather than those from Robert the Bruce’s time. Tinnies Castle, possibly built or fortified by Udard Fraser in the 12th century, was renowned for its formidable defenses, including walls two Scots’ ells thick and a quadrangular structure with round towers at each angle, emphasizing its strategic importance in controlling the surrounding territory. The castle’s architecture was typical of the period, with vaulted ground floors for storage or refuge and living quarters above, reflecting the rough comfort and defensive necessities of its inhabitants. Despite its might, the castle was ordered demolished by James Stewart in 1592, a testament to its significant role in regional power dynamics and conflicts. The ruins of Tinnies Castle, now just a few fragments, still evoke the landscape’s medieval past and the Tweedies’ long-standing influence in the region. The castle’s site offers a panoramic view of Drummelzier and its environs, underlining the strategic and symbolic importance of such fortifications in Scotland’s border history. Traditionally, Tinnies Castle is linked to the wider narrative of Scottish resilience and defiance, exemplified by the beacon fires that once summoned armies to its defense. This stronghold, with its thick walls and defensive towers, serves as a tangible reminder of the Tweedies’ centuries-old presence and the turbulent history of the Scottish Borders.