Castles of Scotland - Elcho

Castles of Scotland - Elcho Castle

Elcho Castle is located near the town of Perth in Scotland. The castle was built in the mid-16th century by the Wemyss family as a family seat.

Elcho Castle is a sandstone building in the Renaissance style, with a tower on the west side and an inner courtyard. The castle was rebuilt and extended several times, including in the 17th century, when a second tower and many decorative features, such as crenellations and ornamental gables, were added.

During the Jacobite rising of 1745, David Wemyss, Lord Elcho, heir to the family, joined the Jacobite army. After the rebellion's defeat, the castle was confiscated by the government and sold at auction.

Over the following decades Elcho Castle ceased to be lived in, but around 1830 it was re-roofed and it remains well preserved today. In 1929 the 11th Earl of Wemyss placed the castle in state care; today it is looked after by Historic Environment Scotland.

Today, Elcho Castle is open to tourists and is a popular place to visit. The castle grounds include beautiful gardens, and from the towers visitors can enjoy picturesque views of the surrounding area. The castle's interiors, with their decorative fireplaces and sculptures, are also open to visitors.