Ferniehirst Castle
Opening Times
Annual July Opening
Tuesday - Sunday 2.00p.m. to 5.00p.m.
No booking required closed Mondays
This lovely castle was first built by Sir Thomas Ker of Smailholm c.1470, the son of Andrew Ker of Cessford. Thomas married his cousin Margaret Ker of Kersheugh and it was their oldest son Andrew known as Dand who established the powerful Ferniehirst Cadet branch of the Cessford Kers. The castle was taken in 1523 by Lord Dacre and the English armies remained in occupation until 1549. This castle and the castle at Cessford introduce visitors to the very root of the Kerr family who fought out of Selkirk Forest in the two wars for Scottish independence and were rewarded by Robert the Bruce with a small portion of land to be known as Kersheugh on the banks of the Jed Water. A farm, not far from Ferniehirst still bears the name.
The Bastle House, converted into a chapel in the 17th century is used today as the visitor centre
Getting there
Leave Jedburgh on the main A68 road head South for 2 miles
The castle is signposted
Turn left through the main gates
Drive slowly
Pass the castle courtyard on your right and park in the visitor centre car park
Report to visitor centre for guided tours only
Entrance fees and gifts by cash only
