Saltcoats Castle

A shorter walk on the 10 walks leaflet led us south from the centre of Gullane along a disused railway line to the ruins of Saltcoats Castle.

Patrick (or Peter) Livingtoun (or Lethington) of Saltcoats, said to be 'an ancient family of East Lothian' built the castle and kitchen in 1590, though the ornate arch may have been added later since this section's gunloops are of a 1600's style. The castle was inhabited until 1790.

An armorial stone situated over the lintel of an adjoining building, presumed to have been relocated from the main entrance of the castle, is said to have been altered from 1590 to 1390 but the digit in question appears complete as a 3 (see the extra photo). The initials of Patrick (or Peter) Livingtoun and his wife Margaret Fettis of Fawside appear on the armorial. 

There is a mid-C17 lectern doocot built into the boundary wall, which may have been built by Patrick's son as it is of a 1630 to 1660 style. There appeared to be no current occupation, probably as the roof is incomplete.

The castle is scheduled Ancient Monument and B-listed.