DiCamillo Companion
Scotland

Dalhousie Castle

  • House & Family History: Dalhousie was built by the Ramsays of Dalhouse. The family had a barony from 1150 and started construction of a tower (of a local pink sandstone) circa 1450. William Ramsay, 1st Earl of Dalhousie, built out to the curtain wallfrom the tower in 1633. In the early 19th century the 1st Earl's range was heightened by one story. The majority of the later additions, also of the same pink sandstone, are contained within the curtain wall of the tower. William Burn, circa 1825, did major work on the interiors. There are vaulted cellars, probably of the 17th century, and a vaulted prison. Sir Walter Scott and Queen Victoria are among the guests who have stayed at Dalhousie. Since the turn of 20th century, the earls of Dalhousie have resided at Brechin Castle. Dalhousie was a private boarding school, before being renovated as a hotel in 1972.

  • Architect: William Burn

    Date: 1825
    Designed: Interiors, possible addition north of Entrance front.

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    Architect: George Paterson

    Date: 18th century
    Designed: Alterations

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  • Title: Debrett's Peerage and Baronetage, 1990
    Author: Kidd, Charles; Williamson, David (Editors)
    Year Published: 1990
    Reference: pg. P 321
    Publisher: London: Debrett's Peerage Limited (New York: St. Martin's Press, Inc.)
    ISBN: 0312046405
    Book Type: Hardback

    Title: Buildings of Scotland: Lothian Except Edinburgh, The
    Author: McWilliam, Colin
    Year Published: 1980
    Publisher: London: Penguin Books
    ISBN: 0140710663
    Book Type: Hardback

  • House Listed: Category A

    Park Listed: Not Listed

  • Past Seat / Home of: William Ramsay, 1st Earl of Dalhousie, 17th century; General George Ramsay, 9th Earl of Dalhousie, 19th century.

    Current Ownership Type: Corporation

    Primary Current Ownership Use: Hotel

  • House Open to Public: By Appointment

    Phone: 01875-820-153

    Fax: 01875-821-936

    Email: [email protected]

    Website: http://www.dalhousiecastle.co.uk

    Historic Houses Member: No