Secret History of Closeburn Castle
Secret, Secluded, Surprising - Closeburn Castle is all of these things and more…
Next Tour: Sunday 23rd September at 7pm
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Hidden within 20 acres of beautiful, secluded grounds, stands Closeburn Castle - ancient home of the Kirkpatrick family and one of the oldest continuously inhabited tower houses in Scotland. Bursting with history and character, this wonderful hidden gem sets the scene for a new Mostly Ghostly tour - Secret History of Closeburn Castle.
This vibrant new partnership sees us joining forces with the Spanish branch of the Kirkpatrick family, who now own the castle, to reveal its history in a way that’s never been done before!
The tour launches on Saturday 10th February, a key anniversary in Scottish history. Back in 1306, a grim event took place at Greyfriars Monastery, Dumfries. Sir Roger Kirkpatrick of Closeburn Castle was a staunch supporter of Robert the Bruce and accompanied him to the Monastery for a meeting with John ‘The Red’ Comyn. Bruce and Comyn had planned to discuss which of them would be the next King of Scotland when things took a dramatic twist…
After a heated argument, Bruce stabbed Red Comyn leaving him for dead, but it was Kirkpatrick who was believed to have dealt the final fatal blows. When Bruce expressed his doubt to Kirkpatrick and his friend John Lindsay, Kirkpatrick uttered the immortal words “I Mak Siccar” (I’ll make sure).
There is certainly a dark and curious side to this ancient house: a chilling death omen once plagued the family and a mysterious lady in black has been witnessed. Eugenie, an ancestor of the family, had a most colourful courtship with Napoleon III and one of the Kirkpatrick’s servants met a grim and unjust end when he was executed at Sanquhar Castle…
We asked Maria Navarro de Sepulveda of Closeburn Castle for her views: “When I first met the Mostly Ghostly team I knew something special would came out of this new partnership and I must say we have started a great friendship. After just a few months, I trust and value their work as if it we’d been working together for years. I’m very grateful to our common friend Sarah Currie that made our paths cross and therefore these tours possible. I hope people enjoy and love Closeburn Castle as much as we do.”
Within the castle and grounds, we aim to present a dramatic interpretation of Closeburn’s hidden history, encouraging more people to explore Dumfries and Galloway. Together with our friends at Closeburn Castle, we look forward to welcoming you!
Booking Info:
To experience the Secret History of Closeburn Castle, please book your place through the Midsteeple Box Office in Dumfries or online at Ticketsource.
Adults - £20, Concessions (students and seniors) - £18, Children (aged 16 and under) - £16, Special Family Ticket (2 adults and 2 children - £56
Age guide: 12 years and above
Mobility: There are some steep narrow stairs within the castle and uneven areas, therefore mobility is restricted. Please contact us for full details
BOOKING ESSENTIAL
Stay at Closeburn Castle
If you’d like to enjoy a short break at Closeburn, please contact the castle on 07440 157979 or through Facebook.
For tour enquiries, please contact the team through our website or by phoning 07791 047835 or 07912 145865.
You can also FOLLOW us on Twitter and LIKE us on Facebook.
Main picture: courtesy of Maria Navarro de Sepulveda