Cessford Castle

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The thick red stone walls of Cessford castle, with its impressive views down the Kale water and across to Yetholm, still stand high and proud on a hilltop near Morebattle.
Cessford was built around 1450 by Andrew Kerr and was last inhabited in 1650, with Sir Robert Kerr making the move to the stunning estate of Floors just North of Kelso where the present Duke of Roxburghe resides.
Cessford had six storeys at one time and its walls are in places up to 4 metres (13 feet) thick and its isolated, wind-swept position dominates the countryside. It was the seat of power for the Kerrs, who often held the position of Middle March Wardens, with Sir Robert being dubbed one of the two ‘fyrebrands’ with his brother-in-law Sir Walter Scott of Buccleuch, Keeper of Liddesdale, as they and the riders in their charge were such a hellish thorn in the English side.
In 1523, Cessford was reputed to be the third strongest place in Scotland by English officials. You can visit the castle today for free, with tight grass-side parking on the single-track road that leads up to it.
The category A listed Floors Castle and its beautiful grounds are open to the public and can be viewed from 10.30am to times varying from 3.30pm to 5pm, dependent on the time of year.

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