Scottish Castles

Local information

Brechin Castle, Angus and Dundee

Location: Brechin, DD9 6SG (map and directions)

Brechin Castle is a 13th century castle located in Angus, though most of the structure dates to the early 18th century. Brechin Castle is the seat of the Earl of Dalhousie, the clan chieftain of Clan Maule of Pammure in Angus and Clan Ramsay of Dalhousie in Midlothian. The clans were joined under a single chieftain in the 18th century and the seat of the Ramsay Clan was moved to Brechin in the early 20th century.

Brechin Castle © Bill Irving

History of Brechin Castle

The castle itself sits on a rock promontory which sits above the River Southesk. Initially the purpose of this grand castle was to serve a defensive role, but in the early 18th century the castle underwent extensive refurbishment which incorporated parts of the original 13th century structure. Between 1696 and 1709 the architect Alexander Edward carried out renovations on Brechin Castle for the then Earl of Panmure, James Maule and it was also at this time that the breathtaking castle gardens were established on the property. The gardens are some of the finest private gardens in Scotland, stretching over forty acres of parkland and a walled garden is itself 13 acres.

Brechin Estate now consists of 55,000 acres, and had reached up to 150,000 during the height of its significance.

Map and directions

Other castles in Angus & Dundee