CASTLE CRICHTON Crichton Castle was much more a defenced chateau and less a feudal stronghold than Thrieve.

It stood on a rising ground above the little Water of Tyne, which flowed clear and swift beneath from the blind "hopes" and bare valleys of the Moorfoot Hills.

But the site was well chosen both for pleasure and defence.

The ground fell away on three sides.

Birch, alder, ash, girt it round and made pleasant summer bowers everywhere.
The fox-faced Chancellor had spent much money on beautifying it, and the kitchens and larders were reported to be the best equipped in Scotland.