Ferniehirst Castle

The origins of Ferniehirst Castle date back to approximately 1470, when the Ker family erected the stronghold. In 1547, during the “Rough Wooing,” the castle was occupied by English forces. Just two years later, in February 1549, an alliance of Sir John Ker's clansmen and French auxiliaries under André de Montalembert successfully dislodged the English. The recapture was described by eyewitnesses such as Jean de Beaugué and Alexander Gordon. Despite this success, an English army led by the Duke of Rutland recaptured the castle in June 1549. Later English retaliatory raids in 1570 and 1573 caused further damage to Ferniehirst. King James VI also attacked the castle in 1593, as the Kers had supported Francis Stewart, 1st Earl of Bothwell, who had conspired against the king.