Hailes Castle

Hailes Castle is thought to contain some of the oldest standing stonework in Scotland. This is found in what is left of the original castle, built here in the 1240s. The seriously ruined tower in the centre of the north range of the building was at the heart of this: it is most easily distinguished today, from the inside at least, by its conversion in later centuries to a doocot or dovecote. Together with the rooms to its east, this formed the original fortified mansion of Hugo de Gourlay and his family.

The de Gourlay family supported the English during the Wars of Independence, and as a result of backing the losing side were stripped of their lands after the Battle of Bannockburn in 1314. The castle and lordship of Hailes was subsequently granted by Robert the Bruce to Sir Adam de Hepburn.