The castle became obsolete after the Union of the Crowns, in 1603 and fell into disrepair; by the turn of the eighteenth century it was a ruin. Hermitage gave its name to the Viscountcy of Hermitage, conferred in 1706 on Henry, third son of the first Duke of Buccleuch as a subsidiary title of the Earldom of Deloraine. This title became extinct in 1807. Some repairs to the castle were carried out in 1820 by the fifth Duke of Buccleuch. The Scotts are descended matrilinearly from the Douglases of Drumlanrig, a cadet branch, and sometimes use the surname Montagu-Douglas-Scott, thus maintaining a continuity with earlier times. Today The castle remained a property of the Scotts until 1930, when it was handed over to the care of the Nation. It is now cared for by Historic Environment Scotland, an executive agency of the Scottish Government, and is open to visitors from 1 April - 31 October each year. It is closed during the winter season. The castle, together with a series of ancillary features, is protected as a scheduled monument. Ghostlore Hermitage Castle is the subject of local ghostlore stories where it is reputed to be haunted by both Redcap Sly, de Soulis's familiar spirit, and by Mary, Queen of Scots. Gallery See also Hermitage, Scottish Borders Hermitage Water List of places in the Scottish Borders List of places in Scotland References External links Historic Environment Scotland: Visitor guide Hermitage Castle Near Newcastleton Hermitage Castle & Mary, Queen of Scots The Border Reivers Ghostly Hermitage Hepburn -fanciers website. BUT with some good info. Ancient Deer Park Castle Hermitage Castles in the Scottish Borders Scheduled Ancient Monuments in the Scottish Borders Tourist attractions in the Scottish Borders Reportedly haunted locations in Scotland Historic Scotland properties in the Scottish Borders