Scottish Castles

Local information

Brodick Castle, Ayrshire & Arran

Location: Brodick, Arran, KA27 8HY (map and directions)

Located 1.5 miles outside the port of Brodick on the Isle of Arran, Brodick Castle is a red sandstone castle at the foot of Goatfell.

Brodick Castle © Soy Yo

History of Brodick Castle

Though some type of fortification has existed here from as early as the 5th century, the castle on the site in 1503 (along with the entire Earldom of Arran) was granted by James IV to his cousin Lord Hamilton, who, in 1544, demolished the structure.

This stately classic castle was built in 1588 and served as the home of the Dukes of Hamilton for hundreds of years until passing into the hands of Mary, Duchess of Montrose. Mary spent years revitalising the gardens of Brodick Castle and, upon her death in 1957, ownership of the castle changed hands one final time to the National Trust for Scotland. One year later, in 1958, the castle became open to the public during the summer, from April to October, while the surrounding Brodick Country Park is open to the public all year round.

The colourful gardens include a walled garden, an ‘ice house’ where ice was stored in winter for use in the summer, and the Bavarian Summer House, a wooden structure built in 1845 and decorated with fir cones. The Country Park includes access to Goatfell Mountain, the Duchess Bathing Pool and several walking trails.

Map and directions

Other castles in Ayrshire & Arran