Newbyres Castle was built in the middle of the 16th Century by Michael Borthwick of Glengelt. In its heyday it was a substantial vaulted, tower house, surrounded by a courtyard, however, the walls of the castle were demolished by the Council for public safety in 1963. The ruinous remains are classed as an Ancient Monument by Historic Scotland. Newbyres Castle was built in the middle of the 16th century by Michael Borthwick of Glengelt. He had acquired the lands from James, Abbot of Newbattle in 1543 with the consent from Mary Queen of Scots, Patroness of the Abbey. From here he was able to oversee his coal mining operations in the area. It was bought by Sir James Dundas of Arniston in 1624 and the family went on to use the castle as a dower house. The Dowager, Lady Arniston, had the reputation locally as a very hospitable host. In its heyday it was a substantial vaulted tower house, surrounded by a courtyard. It was already abandoned by the time the current Gorebridge main street was being built in the late 19th century and the villagers were using stones to repair the dykes and houses. Enough of the current building survived to provide a detailed description in 1915. However, the walls of the castle were demolished by the council for public safety in 1963. Today only a fragment of the south-east corner of the original L-shaped tower survives. As a designated Scheduled Ancient Monument Newbyres Castle is in the care of Historic Scotland.
PLEASE KEEP OF THE RUIN
Congratulation,s Mr Plenty & SummitPlummet on Joint FTF.