Brechin Castle

About this place

Brechin Castle in Angus has origins in the 13th century, making it one of the oldest fortified sites in the region.

The castle sits in the ancient city of Brechin in north-east Scotland and has been the Dalhousie family seat since the 17th century.

Between approximately 1696 and 1709, architect Alexander Edward carried out an extensive reconstruction for James Maule, 4th Earl of Panmure, and most of what stands today dates from that period.

The grounds are listed in the Inventory of Gardens and Designed Landscapes in Scotland, a designation reserved for sites of special historic or design interest.

The walled garden and tearoom open to the public seasonally.

History

The castle was first built in stone during the 13th century. Between approximately 1696 and 1709, architect Alexander Edward carried out extensive reconstruction for James Maule, 4th Earl of Panmure, and most of what stands today dates from that period. The Dalhousie family have held the castle and its surrounding 55,000-acre estate since the 17th century.

Architecture

The current building is largely an early 18th-century reconstruction and covers 37,748 square feet. Alexander Edward was the architect responsible for the rebuilding, completed around 1709.

Worth knowing

The grounds are included in the Inventory of Gardens and Designed Landscapes in Scotland, a national register that recognises only sites of particular historic or designed importance.

Gardens & grounds

The castle gardens and walled garden are considered significant enough to warrant inclusion in the Scottish national inventory of designed landscapes, and the walled garden operates a tearoom during the seasonal opening period.

Facilities