Brechin Castle – Living Legend
Brechin Castle and the splendid Castle Gardens have been in the Dalhousie Family since the 17th Century. The estate encompasses 55,000 acres of stunning countryside in Angus County. Lord Dalhousie is clan chieftain of Clan Maule of Panmure in Angus and Clan Ramsay of Dalhousie in Midlothian. Brechin Castle stands on a rock bluff above the River Southesk on the site of an older fortress.
The original stone castle was constructed during the thirteenth century. The present house was reconstructed in the early 1700’s and incorporates parts of the original Castle. The building has evolved from a defensive role to its present great house style. In 1643 Patrick Maule, 1st Earl of Panmure, bought the Brechin Property from the Earl of Mar. At that time it was a simple three storied L shaped house. It was the 4th Earl of Panmure who rebuilt the Castle as it is today. The property went out the family when James, the 4th and last Earl of Panmure took part in the rebellion of 1715. He died in exile in France and his estates were forfeited. His wife obtained a long lease of Brechin Castle from the purchasers, the York Buildings Company and the family later recovered it.
Brechin has one of the finest private gardens in Scotland, covering forty acres of planted parkland and includes the famous walled garden. The gardens link to the castle by woodland paths. The first formally designed landscaping for Brechin Castle Gardens was done by Alexander Edward for the 4th Earl of Panmure. Since then there have been many improvements, including the addition of shrub and woodland garden in the early 20th century. The walled garden covers an area of more than 13 acres.
The Dalhousie Estates is a working estate providing employment to over 90 staff, many of whom live on the Estate. The wide range of business activities includes farming, forestry, property letting, shooting, fishing and deer stalking. The Estate offers a variety of holiday accommodation including four self-catering cottages in the beautiful landscape of Glenesk, a fine family house, Dalhousie Lodge and other lodges. They also run Brechin Castle Centre, a garden centre, restaurant and visitor’s centre.
