Hume Castle is a prominent ruin set on a rocky crag overlooking the Merse, or eastern Borders of Scotland. Built some time before 1214, the castle is an early example of a rectangular courtyard plan, possibly the only one surviving in south east Scotland. It changed hands several times over the centuries of Border warfare and was last defended in 1651, when a Parliamentarian army bombarded its captain into submission. In the early eighteenth century the Earl of Marchmont rebuilt the upper parts of the walls with giant battlements to make it more picturesque.

During the Second World War Hume Castle was a secret base for British resistance in the event of German invasion. In addition to its historic and landscape importance, it is important as the home of Clan Hume, which has links all over the world. We prepared a quinquennial report and obtained budget costs for repairs and improvements, including improving access, and have advised on grant applications to ensure this important historic monument can be preserved and enjoyed by visitors from all over the world for years to come.