Illieston Castle

Illieston Castle is a 17th century tower house which belonged to the Ellis family.

In the late 17th century Isabel Ellis, daughter of John Ellis of Elliston, married Robert Lumsdaine of Stravithie. She inherited considerable estates from her father. Another daughter, Elizabeth, married David Scot of Tarvet. John was married to David’s aunt, Rebecca Scot

In July 1697 Isabel and some accomplices scaled the walls of Elliston, which by then belonged to John Hamilton, 1st Earl of Rutherglen, at midnight, broke in and occupied the castle, and “they brought cattle, which they turned loose, to eat whatever fodder the place afforded.” She was tried in absentia in August of the same year. The couple later separated and in December 1707 she took her husband to court to seek an allowance from him. The following year she submitted a petition requesting custody of her only son from his father, on account of his education being neglected, but the case was dismissed.