Scottish Castles

Local information

Edzell Castle, Angus and Dundee

Location: DD9 7UE (map and directions)

Located 5 miles north of the village of Brechin is Edzell Castle, a ruined 16th century castle in Angus. Edzell Castle was begun in 1520 by David Lindsay, 9th Earl of Crawford. Edzell Castle was then expanded by his son, Sir David Lindsay, Lord Edzell. It was at this time that the garden was added in 1604.

Edzell Castle © Anne Burgess

History of Edzell Castle

The design and purpose of the castle was that of a country home rather than a defensive structure. The original tower house and building ranges situated around a courtyard form the layout of the castle, while the walled Renaissance garden is unique in Scotland, incorporating intricate relief carvings and considered to have links to esoteric traditions (including Freemasonry). The castle also includes a summer house to the back of the garden, and Lindsay Aisle – the Lindsay family’ burial vault in the graveyard on the property.

During Oliver Cromwell’s invasion of Scotland, Edzell Castle was occupied by English troops in 1651, which is the only military action the castle saw.

In 1715 the Lindsay family purchased the castle back and ownership of Edzell officially became that of the Earl of Dalhousie until given into state care in 1930.

Today Historic Scotland operate the ruins of Edzell Castle.

Map and directions

Other castles in Angus & Dundee