[1] The castle appears to have been constructed in the 12th century, and was re-built in 1375.

The castle passed to Sir John Somerville, 4th Baron of Linton through marriage in 1317 to Lady Elizabeth Douglas.

The castle was besieged in 1557 and was partially destroyed and was rebuilt in 1586.

[2] The buildings at the Castle surviving in the 17th century were carefully described by the James Somerville in his family history; the Memorie of the Somervilles.

[4] Mary, Queen of Scots stayed at Cowthally Castle on 24 August 1563.