Scottish Castles Association

The remains of this remarkable castle are situated on a rocky hill overlooking the Tweed valley towards Drumelzier and Merlin’s Grave – from whence did this association with Merlin come?

Merlin, with his supernatural powers, is claimed by many countries, including Scotland. In a document of 1367, Dumbarton is named ‘Castrum Arthuri’.

In 1689 Merlin’s grave is noted at Drumelzier:

The RCAHMS attributes this tradition of the discovery of a Bronze Age grave but no archaeological remains have been found to verify this.

The ‘Life of Merlin of the Forest’ tells of a ‘wild man of the woods’ who, banished for his misdeeds, seeks out St Kentigern (Mungo) for absolution. On his way to meet Kentigern at Stobo Church, Merlin stops at the ‘lofty throne’ of King Meldred (Tinnis) from whom he receives hospitality.

There are no doubts, therefore, as to the early credentials of ‘Merlindale’.

Tinnis Castle

The position of Tinnis is unrivalled, with a steep drop to the valley below on three sides. Here a castle was built by the Tweedies of Drumelzier who had held the land from the 14th century.

Tinnis Castle was not the first structure on the site as below it lay a late Iron Age fort. This had been destroyed by fire and so severe was the conflagration that its stone walls vitrified i.e. turned to glass. Did the Arthurian associations play a part when the Tweedies chose Tinnis, perhaps as a new Camelot?

The scant remains, however, are those of a 15th century tower house within a walled courtyard flanked by twin round towers (see plan below). There was also an outer court.

The site is restricted and though excellent for defence, must have been an unhandy place in which to live - no sign of a well.

In 1525:

Enormous lumps of displaced stone appear to confirm the event (see plan below) but not all agree.

The Tweedies abandoned Tinnis and removed to nearby Drumelzier where they built a modern tower house.

Drumelzier Castle

Drumelzier was a 16th century tower house which incorporated part of an older structure. The tower rose through three storeys to a gabled roof furnished with a corner turret. There were shot holes at the windows and larger ones pierced the walls at ground level.

The Tweedies sold Drumelzier in 1632 but by the1790s it had been abandoned.

In 1972 Drumelzier was scheduled as an ‘ancient monument’ and in good condition except...

This warning was disregarded and shortly afterwards Drumelzier suffered an almost total collapse and what remained was demolished for reasons of safety.

All that remains today are the lower levels hemmed in by the debris of farmyard.

Historic Environment Scotland now lists Drumelzier as a site of ‘national importance’

A bit late in the day – where is Merlin when you need him?

Article by Scottish Castles Association member Brian McGarrigle.

Images courtesy of * GUARD Archaeology. Reconstruction illustration by Chris Mitchell | ** Plan by Scottish Castles Association member Brian McGarrigle | *** Image courtesy of Scottish Castles Association member John Pringle.