Located 1½ miles (2½ km) south east of Gifford in East Lothian,
Yester Castle was built in 1297 by Hugo de Gifford, the so-called
Wizard of Yester. Beneath is the sizeable Goblin Ha', where Gifford
is said to have made his magic. This name is echoed in a hotel in
the village of Gifford and the goblins were immortalised in Sir
Walter Scott's Marmion.
The castle passed to the Hay family through marriage in the 14th
Century and in a similar fashion to so many others, it was
abandoned after the Hays moved to the more comfortable surroundings
of a new home on the site of the present Yester House. Today the
castle lies a ruin on the margins of the Yester Estate owned by the
Italian composer Gian Carlo Menotti.
It is possible to enter the Goblin Ha’ itself, with a little
care. So bring a decent torch! Find the steps that lead down to the
locked gate – for the claustrophobic you can look into the Ha’ from
here. Just take care on the steps as they can be slippery. For the
Indiana Joneses, head back up the steps and work your way around
the castle to the left as you go up the stairs. Follow the track
that curves to your left around the castle, taking care not to slip
down the steeper parts. You will be met by an open portal into the
realm of magic and mystery! Enter and let your imagination run
wild…
