Brodie Castle – A Wonderful Way to Spend a Day

Located 4.5 miles west of Forres and 24 miles east of Inverness, on the east coast of Scotland, Brodie Castle is a fine 16th-century tower house set in peaceful parkland. The land was originally given to the Brodie family in 1140 by Malcolm IV and the castle was with the family till the late twentieth century.

The original structure was damaged in an attack by the Montrose army in 1645 and it was later rebuilt with additions made to the building in the 17th and 19th centuries. The Z plan tower house is a lime mortared building with ornate corbelled battlements and bartizans. Cannon drain spouts and a sun dial embellish the sides of the keep. A Pictish stone was found in the grounds in 1781 during excavations. This grey sandstone cross-slab known as Rodney’s Stone is sculptured with Ogham inscriptions including fish monsters and an elephant. There are varying stories for the origin of the name.

The interior is decorated with unusual plaster ceilings and the rooms on various floors house enough art and antiques to keep art lovers happy all day. They include English, continental and Chinese porcelain, a major collection of paintings, including 17th-century Dutch art, 19th-century English watercolors, Scottish colorists and early 20th-century works as well as French furniture. The magnificent library contains over 6,000 volumes. A gift shop and tea room in the old kitchen area leads out into the grounds which houses the old dairy.

Today the property is owned by the National Trust of Scotland and is open to the public, not only to see the beautiful artifacts it houses but also as a venue for weddings and corporate functions. Vacation accommodation is also available on the estate. A popular picnic spot with its sheltered woodland walks, gardens, one can walk along the lake and observe the wildlife on the estate from specially constructed hides. Brodie Castle has a picnic area with an adventure playground with timber fort for the kids. A visit in the spring is a feast for the eyes with its unique carpet of daffodils in full bloom.

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