Site Report

WoSASPIN 18082
NT07NE 5 0729 7868.

(NT 0729 7868) Midhope (NR)
OS 6" map (1967)

Midhope Castle, a late 16th century tower, is 5 storeys and an attic high, with later extensions a storey lower. It forms the N side of a courtyard, measuring 114' x 61' which is entered from the E through an ashlared 17th century gateway. The two extensions, added to the E side of the original keep, date from the 17th century. In 1926, the castle was occupied, sub-divided into dwellings for estate workers. However,
in 1962, it is described as derelict and fast decaying.
RCAHMS 1929, visited 1926; N Tranter 1962

An outstanding building as described. Although not a total ruin it is not being cared for.
Visited by OS (JLD) 19 January 1953 and (JP) 27 March 1974

During consolidation of the castle remains and clearance of decayed wood, a series of wall paintings became visible. One was on the second floor of the central room. It occupied the N half of the E wall face. It was a trompe l'oeil of a room with black and white checkered floor tiles, blue walls and arches. The top part was eroded and indistinct. The other was over the fireplace of the E wall in the tower-house, on the first floor. This was of two red hunting dogs leaping over the fireplace.
Both the Hopetoun Estate and the RCAHMS were informed. No action was taken and these paintings have been lost.
In the ground south of the castle, an extensive well laid cobbled surface was located.
Sponsor: Hopetoun Estate
J K Reid 1989; G Egan 1990

NT 07282 78688 (centred)
Midhope Castle was removed from the Schedule of Monuments on 11 May 2018 as part of the Historic Environment Scotland Dual Designations Project. The building remains category 'A' Listed.
Entered WoSAS (HMcB) 18/05/2018

NT 07283 78685
Description (from HES Listed Building documentation):
KEEP: 16th cent. Square. 4 storeys (with garret) on laigh floor. Random rubble. Corbie-step-gabled. Slated roof. Angle turrets of ashlar. Renaissance doorway (segmental pediment with initials G.L.) approached by stair.
INTERIOR: Turnpike stair projecting internally.
E. WING: 17th cent. 3 storeys and laigh floor. Old lintel re-used over entrance.
INTERIOR: Vaulted laigh floor. 1 scale-and-platt stair of oak. Several rooms retain portions of panelling and plaster cornices.
WALLS: on S. forming court.
GATEWAY: 17th cent. semi-circular arch. Ashlar. Panel (inset now gone) Ball finials.
Statement of Special Interest (from HES Listed Building documentation):
Derelict. Originally belonged to Drummonds. Passed to Livingstones, Earls of Linlithgow. Acquired by Hopes 1678 to form part of Hopetoun Estate.
Entered WoSAS (HMcB) 20/08/2019