Border Country Life Exhibitions
The Border Country Life Trust was created in 1982 and established a museum in the south wing of the Castle. At this time, one year prior to the formation of Thirlestane Castle Trust, the museum was an entirely independent entity that just happened to be housed within the Castle. With support from the Manpower Services Commission, the Country Life Trust created some impressive displays.

Unfortunately, when the MSC support ended and a fund-raising scheme failed, the Country Life Trust had to be wound up in 1986. Rather than see the collections dispersed, and with assistance from the National Heritage Memorial Fund, Thirlestane Castle Trust took over the museum and incorporated the displays into the ongoing regeneration of the Castle.

The aim of the Border Country Life Exhibtions is to demonstrate a wide aspect of estate and country life in the Scottish Borders over the centuries. A series of displays gives a glimpse into the working lives of the ghillies and gamekeepers, gardeners, farm workers and other country folk who were employed by the Maitland family or who lived in the surrounding Lauderdale countryside from the 17th century to the present day.

The River Room
The River Tweed is one of Scotland's finest salmon rivers. The display in the River Room shows tackle and equipment used by anglers, poachers and bailiffs over the last 300 years.

The Steading
The Steading contains displays showing aspects of land drainage, timber working, dairy activities, hay making, joinery and the work of the home vet. Outside in the courtyard is a reconstruction of a traditional tailor's shop.

The Finds Room
In the Finds Room is a collection of finds from local farms, including a Celtic skeleton some 2,000 years old.