This is the much loved wee tower that sits high on a rocky hill in the Scottish Borders known as Minto Crags.  It is falling further and further into ruinous decay with every day that passes, even though it was renovated as recently as 1897, the roof has now all but gone, and once that is gone, the rest will rapidly follow. 

It has been called an icon of the Borders, resting on its rocky perch watching and protecting the valley below - a job it is going to be made redundant from very soon because this castle cannot protect itself.

Despite the fact we live in a society that is increasingly interested in its heritage, and as a result, has a vast number of financial resources that are only too willing to help a good cause, nobody is doing anything to stop this castle's dilapidation.  I have grown up underneath this castle's watchful gaze and am increasingly dispondant at the delapidation of the castle.  While I was at University I started to research the castle and noted that there was no information available online about it, so created this site.  It is amazing just how many people from all over the world have been in contact with me since this site started.  This castle is in the hearts of more people than I even realised possible, they were just waiting for a united point of contact, somewhere where they could all say "We want to save Fatlips too".

This tower is perceived as being at a disadvantage with regards to being rescued, because of its location on a high craggy hill and previous issues with vandalism which may be amongst the reasons action has not yet been taken.  I bring to your attention issues about access, sustainability, tourism, the personal rights of the land owner, more information about these can be found on the "Issues with Fatlips" page.

Fatlips is such a brilliant place both historically and to the present-day visitor, and it is worthy at least of having a weather-proof roof over it's head to protect it for us and for future generations of Border explorers.

 ....I  tend to add snippets to this site at a time, so bear with the site, save it into your favourties and keep checking back.  And feel free to contact me if the site doesn't answer your questions.  I can provide you with a little bit of the background of the current state and plight of the Castle with external links - rather than repeating what I have found online I have provided links to sites with information about the castle on them.  Please bear in mind the opinions on the sites bear no relation to mine.

The following link is to a notorious newspaper article about the great country house of Minto that had been on the same family estate as Fatlips, which was demolished amongst a great deal of controversy.  http://www.ihbc.org.uk/context_archive/36/minto_dir/minto_s.htm  But do not let the same fate befall Fatlips!

This next link takes you to a local newspaper article about the plight of Fatlips, http://www.turnbullclan.com/main/fatlips_castle.htm

For a Response by the Owner of Fatlips Castle to a letter I wrote to him, please see the page 'Issues with Fatlips'

To find out about the original owners of Fatlips, the notorious Turnbull clan and the branch descendants please visit http://www.turnbullclan.com  and also http://clanturnbull.com The Turnbull Clan fully support The Burning Beacon's campaign. (Image of piper by Wally Turnbull 2007)

Thanks goes to John Rogerson, of Ancrum, for sharing with me an image of the crest and panelling of the ceiling of the main hall, thought to be the only image of it in existence.  The ceiling of the main hall is now completely gone, so this image is of great importance, and will be online for your prerusal shortly!  John remembers going up there in the 1970's and seeing the cannon guns outside the castle and the yett in place in the doorway. 

John also tells of a shed on the far side of the hill that housed horse-sleighs that possibly originated from Canada, which is where the late Lord Minto's first wife was from.  One of these was a fine example of a trap made by Crole and Crole of Canada, with its only injury being one rotted shaft from a hole in the roof. The shed also housed a Native American canoe which had fallen into disrepair due to a leak in the roof and water running onto it.  John used to climb the crags, and on one occassion came across an ornamental spear at the bottom of his climb, where someone had tossed it from the top of the crags!  The spear's location is now unknown, but it is believed to have come from Fatlips when it was in use as a museum.

He reminded me that there used to be a wooden chalet on the left side of the hill, which was used by the late Lord Minto's wife as a place for picnics.  I believe it burned down, and no trace of it now exists.

If you would like to add your name in support of this castle being preserved or restored, please visit the 'Friends of Fatlips' page of this site.  The more names we have to show this castle is loved, the more chance there is of something being done about it!

Visit the Burning Beacon Forum, where you can add your thoughts and comments on the plight of Fatlips Castle

The Burning Beacon's campaign aims, as well as ideas for re-use of Fatlips can be found on "Issues with Fatlips"

I would like to extend a huge WELL DONE to all the members of the Turnbull Clan who made the climb to the top of the hill on Thursday 14th June (photo below).  It was great to meet you all and an honour to be included!

FATLIPS IS ON FACEBOOK!! 

There are images on the Group page contributed by lots of people who have visited the castle.  Many thanks for the contributions.