CASTLE

PROGRAMME 5: TOWER HOUSES IN SCOTLAND

PROGRAMME OUTLINE

00.00 – 01.23

An overview of the main theme for programme 5 – the tower house castles of Scotland, which are very different to English castles of the same period.

01.24 – 11.39

We see that Edinburgh and Stirling Castles are completely untypical of Scottish castles in the 15th century, with the vast majority of the thousands built at that time following the tower house design. Threave Castle is used as the main example and we learn about its structure from archaeological evidence.

11.40 – 15.26

We see when, why and how Threave Castle was turned into a more defensive castle during the reign of James II.

15.27 – 24.00

At Borthwick Castle we see the biggest and best-preserved tower house in Scotland. Judging by the number of different stonemason's marks, we can see that a huge workforce was employed in building the castle.

24.01 – 30.16

Marc Morris investigates the popular idea that the James family of kings was extremely aggressive and constantly fighting with the nobles.

30.17 – 38.39

We see Castle Urquhart, on the shores of Loch Ness, and find out about its role in policing the highland region.

38.40 – 41.49

Marc shows us that the much smaller tower houses along the border with England were often more like fortified farmhouses than true castles. They were constructed in response to the many raids that took place in what was at the time a lawless border region.

41.50 – 46.44

Craigievar Castle is the focus of this section and is typical of 17th century castles. In the reign of James VI, Scotland became a more prosperous and peaceful place and castles became little to do with defence and far more like grand, ornamental houses.

46.45 – 48.10

A summary of the different castle-building eras in Scotland and of the four tower houses featured in this programme.