Located amongst the Braes of the Carse, just to the north of the hamlet of Rait in E Perth and Kinross, Fingask Castle is a modest three-storey pile dating from 1594. It represents an L-plan tower house, which was extended in 1675 and again more recent times. Several original features remain.
The lands of Fingask were the property of the Bruce family by the late 14th century. The Threipland family married into the Bruces at the end of the 16th century. They entertained James Frances Edward Stuart, the Old Pretender (1688 - 1766), here on two occasions in 1716 but their enthusiasm for the rebels cost them their house and estates shortly thereafter. They regained their property but the family supported the Jacobites again in 1745 and received a visit from the Bonnie Prince (1720-88) the same year. Again their estates were forfeit, and the castle was occupied by government troops, sacked and badly damaged. The Threiplands were able to buy Fingask back in 1783 but sold it in the 1920s. Extensive renovations were undertaken during the 20th century, removing Victorian additions and restoring the structure and character of the older castle. The Threiplands were able to buy the castle once again in 1968.
Author Sir Walter Scott (1771 - 1832) is also said to have visited. The house is surrounded by fine gardens which have been nurtured since the 17th century. In the grounds is St. Peters Well which has long been a stopping place for pilgrims en route to Dunkeld.
Today the castle remains a family home, but also provides a venue for weddings and corporate hospitality.
