Dalhousie Castle

Dalhousie Castle is a castle in Cockpen, Midlothian, Scotland. Dalhousie Castle is situated near the town of Bonnyrigg, 8 miles (13 km) south of Edinburgh. The castle was the seat of the Earls of Dalhousie, the chieftains of Clan Ramsay.

History

The patriarch of the clan was Simundus de Ramesie (Simon of Ramsey), an

. He is considered the founder of the Ramsay clan and the first to have lands at Dalwolsey.

The first castle at Dalhousie was constructed by him. The red stone castle is situated in a strategic spot overlooking the

, dates to the mid 15th century. The majority of the current castle dates to the 17th century. There was originally a dry moat surrounding the castle. The moat was later filled in but partially excavated in the late 20th century.

Dalhousie Castle has seen much history.

used the castle as a base for his invasion of Scotland. Many Earls of Dalhousie have taken an active part in British political and military leadership.

Around 1800, Walter Nicol designed the new layout of the walled garden.

At the turn of the 20th century, the seat of Clan Ramsay was moved to

10 million.

On 26 June 2004, a major fire erupted in the castle's roof area. The building was evacuated and the Lothian and Borders Fire Brigade were called to extinguish the blaze. The damage was significant but limited to a relatively small area of the building, and no major structural damage occurred. The damage was repaired and the hotel resumed normal operations.^[1]

In April 2011, Von Essen Hotels fell into administration, and the hotel was available with a guide price of £7.5 million. In March 2012, it was announced that Robert Parker, owner of Doxford House, Eshott Hall and Guyzance Hall in Northumberland, had purchased Dalhousie Castle for an undisclosed sum.^[2]

• 
  From the hillside
• 
  From the rear
• 
  Dalhousie Castle Midlothian

See also

• Dalhousie University
• Castles in Scotland

References

External links

• Media related to Dalhousie Castle at Wikimedia Commons
• Dalhousie Castle Luxury Castle Hotel and Spa
• Clan Ramsay

55°51′37.89″N 3°4′55.85″W / 55.8605250°N 3.0821806°W / 55.8605250; -3.0821806