b'In 1762, Sir David Rannie purchased the estate. He had acquired a vast fortune trading with the East India Company in Calcutta. His return to Scotland was short lived, as after 5 years he died leaving his two daughters prey to the C A S T L E M E LV I L L Elanded gentry. The shrewd Henry Dundas, S C O T L A N D a lawyer and son of the neighbouring estate was 24 when he married 14 year old Elizabeth acquiring both her estate and fortune. He was clever and ambitious and as a serving Member of Parliament under Prime Minister Pitt he was appointed Viscount Melville and held the most powerful and prestigious position in Scotland as Lord Advocate.His new found wealth and status allowed him to commission James Playfair, the renowned Scottish architect of the time to design a new castle and in 1786 the old medieval edifice was demolished and the new Castle was built on its footprint. This building an impressive castellated mansion with its spacious pillared entrance hall, elegant staircase and fine reception rooms, was created principally for entertaining on a grand scale.Top Left: Mary Queen of Scots|Top Right: David Rizzio |Bottom Left: Lord Melville|Bottom Right: Queen Victoria'