Balmuto Castle

Balmuto Castle is a privately occupied multi-phase tower house dating back to the 15th century. It sits on a level area of high ground overlooking an unnamed watercourse a couple of miles inland from the southern Fife coast.

During the reign of Robert the Bruce, John Glen of Glenniston held the lands of Balmuto, and the grant was confirmed in the md 14th century to Robert Glen and Margaret Bruce, sister of King David II. Part of the barony of Balmuto was obtained by Sir John Boswell of Balgregie by marriage to one of the grand-daughters of Robert and Margaret in the late 14th century, after which he acquired the remaining parts. After consolidating the estate he founded a four storey “great tower” at Balmuto, accessed at first floor level. During the 16th century two wings were added, the first wrapping around the southernmost corner of the tower and extending south-eastwards, the second then extending north-eastwards opposite the old tower to form a courtyard between.

In 1680 the tower and courtyard ranges were reworked with larger windows, new external doorways, and replacement of the timber floors; at the end of the 18th century the battlements were added to the parapet of the old tower, which now has a small attic building on the top. Balmuto remained in the hands of the Boswell (and later Irvine-Boswell) family up until 1896, when the widow of the last laird died. At this point the family moved out and the castle was allowed to fall into disrepair. In 1951 the castle was sold as a semi-derelict ruin to the Duke of Montrose, at which time some of the extensions were removed; these included a wing attached to the north gable of the old tower which enclosed the courtyard. Since then the castle was sold again and restored between 1974 and 1984. It remains a private home, is situated in an extensive estate, and cannot be seen from public roads.

HES Canmore database entry