Dalhousie Castle: A Historic Scottish Stronghold in Midlothian

Visitor Information

Google Rating: 4.3

Popularity: Medium

Google Maps: View on Google Maps

Official Website: www.dalhousiecastle.co.uk

Country: United Kingdom

Civilization: Medieval European

Remains: Military

History

Dalhousie Castle is located near Bonnyrigg in Midlothian, Scotland, about 13 kilometers south of Edinburgh. It was established around 1140 by Simundus de Ramesie, an English knight of Norman heritage. Simundus served as a vassal to David, Earl of Huntingdon, who later became King of Scotland. He is recognized as the founder of Clan Ramsay and the first to hold lands at Dalwolsey, the original name of the site where the castle stands.

Throughout the medieval period, Dalhousie Castle was the ancestral seat of the Earls of Dalhousie, leaders of Clan Ramsay. The castle played a strategic role in Scottish history, notably hosting King Edward I of England before the Battle of Falkirk in 1298. In 1400, Sir Alexander Ramsay successfully defended the castle during a six-month siege by English forces under King Henry IV, underscoring its military importance.

During the 17th century, the castle continued to serve as a stronghold. Later, in the mid-17th century, Oliver Cromwell used Dalhousie Castle as a base during his invasion of Scotland. The castle remained in the Ramsay family for over 800 years, the longest continuous family ownership of any Scottish castle, until 1977. Around 1900, the clan seat moved to Brechin Castle, but Dalhousie was retained and leased to tenants, including a boarding school.

In the 20th century, Dalhousie Castle underwent a significant change in use. It was converted into a hotel in 1972. Ownership changed hands several times, including a purchase by Von Essen Hotels in 2003 for about £10 million. A major roof fire occurred in 2004 but was repaired without serious structural damage. The castle was sold again in 2012 to Robert Parker.

Remains

Dalhousie Castle is built primarily of red stone and occupies a strategic position overlooking the River Esk. The castle’s layout follows an L-plan design, a common form in Scottish castles, with the oldest surviving section being a drum tower dating from the mid-15th century. This round tower was integrated into the overall structure and served defensive purposes.

Most of the visible castle fabric dates from the 17th century, reflecting extensive rebuilding and expansion during that time. Originally, the castle was protected by a dry moat, which was later filled in. In the late 20th century, parts of this moat were re-excavated to reveal its original defensive function.

Around 1800, the castle’s walled garden was redesigned by Walter Nicol, a noted landscape designer. This garden remains a feature of the estate. Since its conversion to a hotel in 1972, the castle has been adapted for modern use, with restoration work focusing on preserving historic elements. After the 2004 fire, repairs concentrated on the roof, maintaining the castle’s structural integrity without altering its historic character.