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Braemar Castle
Braemar Castle
Braemar Castle
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Braemar Castle is situated near the village of Braemar in Aberdeenshire, Scotland. It is a possession of the chief of Clan Farquharson and is leased to a local charitable foundation. It is open to the public.[1][2][3]

Key Information

History

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From the Late Middle Ages, the castle was a stronghold of the Earls of Mar.[4] The present Braemar Castle was constructed in 1628 by John Erskine, Earl of Mar, as a hunting lodge and to counter the rising power of the Farquharsons,[5] replacing an older building, which was the successor of nearby Kindrochit Castle, which dates from the 11th century AD. The siting of Kindrochit Castle was based upon the strategic location of this site relative to historic crossings of the Grampian Mounth.[6]

Graffiti in the dining room from soldiers stationed at the castle in the 18th century

An important garrison after the 1745 Jacobite rising, Braemar Castle had been attacked and burned by John Farquharson, the Black Colonel of Inverey during the Jacobite rising of 1689, to prevent it being used as a garrison by Government troops. In 1716 the castle was forfeited to the Crown following the Earl of Mar's leadership of the 1715 Jacobite rising.[7] The castle and lands were purchased by John Farquharson, 9th Laird of Invercauld but the building was left in ruins until 1748 when it was leased to the government at a fee of £14 per year, now to serve as a garrison for Hanoverian troops. From 1760 to 1806 the estate was used largely for commercial woodland, but on a massive scale, with James Farquharson of Invercauld planting 16 million fir trees and 2 million larch during this period.[8]

Rebuilding started under the command of John Adam, Master Mason to the Board of Ordnance.[5]

In 1831 the military garrison was withdrawn and the castle returned to the Farquharson clan. Restoration to provide a family home began under the 12th Laird of Invercauld who entertained Queen Victoria there when she attended the Braemar Gatherings in the grounds of the castle. In 1800 Braemar Castle was documented to have its moat intact.[9]

It has also featured in the video to Andy Stewart's "A Scottish Soldier".

Since 2006 the castle has been leased to the local community. It is run on behalf of the community by local charity, Braemar Community Ltd and staffed by local volunteers, and an ambitious restoration programme has been started. It reopened to the public in 2008.[10]

Structure

[edit]
Braemar Castle dining room

The building is a five-storey L-plan castle with a star-shaped curtain wall of six sharp-angled salients, and with three storey angle turrets. The central tower enfolds a round stair tower and is built of granite covered with harl. The main entrance retains an original iron yett, and many of the windows are protected by heavy iron grilles.

On the ground floor are stone-vaulted rooms which contained the guardroom, ammunition store and original kitchen. These are built out into the salients of the outer wall, and in Victorian times a second kitchen was added adjoining the staff rooms. In the floor of a passage, an iron grill provided access to the Laird's Pit, a dark hole used as a dungeon.

On each of the upper floors a large room and a small room occupied the two arms of the tower. On the first floor are the Dining Room and Morning Room, whilst on the floor above is the Laird's Day Room, entered by a curved door. Opposite is the Rose Room, and between the two is a small bathroom installed in 1901. In the main wing at this level is the Drawing Room, containing graffiti incised on the window shutters by government troops. The words "John Chestnut, Sergeant, 1797" can be clearly seen. On the third floor is the Four Poster Bedroom, whilst on the fourth floor lie the Ladies Guest Bedroom, Gentlemans Guest Bedroom and the Principal Bedroom. These upper floors were used by the Farquharson family in the latter years of their visits.[5]

View Of Braemar Castle - photographic print
View Of Braemar Castle - photographic print

References

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Braemar Castle

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from Grokipedia
Braemar Castle is a 17th-century L-plan located in the village of , , , within the , originally constructed in 1628 by John Erskine, the 2nd , as a fortified lodge to defend his estates against the rival Farquharson . Over nearly four centuries, the castle has evolved through multiple roles, including a Jacobite stronghold, a following the rising, a high-society retreat frequented by royalty such as in the and Queen Elizabeth II in the 20th, and ultimately a family residence for the Farquharson clan after the withdrawal of the military in 1831, following its purchase in 1732. The structure features a five-storey with 18th-century star-shaped artillery defenses added for protection, and it endured significant damage when burned in 1689 by John Farquharson, known as the "Black Colonel," during early Jacobite conflicts, before being rebuilt and refurbished around 1748 under Crown lease. In 1715, the castle served as the base where the raised the Jacobite standard, sparking the failed Fifteen that culminated at the . It later hosted young Prince Charles (now King Charles III) and Princess Anne, underscoring its royal connections, and was opened to the public in 1961 by Frances Farquharson, wife of the 16th Laird of Invercauld, who infused the interiors with distinctive pink decor influenced by her friendship with fashion designer . Acquired by the Farquharson family in the early , the castle remained their home until the , after which it was leased in for 50 years at a nominal peppercorn rent to the Braemar Castle Community Trust, a dedicated to its preservation. Following a major £1.6 million restoration funded by sources including the Heritage Lottery Fund and , the castle reopened to visitors in May 2024, offering guided tours, gardens, and events from April to October, while serving as a venue for weddings and community activities.

Location and Context

Geographical Setting

Braemar Castle is located in , , near the village of and within the heart of the . It sits on the east bank of the River Dee, approximately a quarter-mile east of the village center along the A93 scenic route. This positioning places the castle in Upper Deeside, about 59 miles west of , amid a landscape renowned for its rugged Highland scenery. The surrounding terrain features the dramatic , with the range encircling the area and providing a backdrop of high peaks such as to the east. Remnants of the ancient Caledonian Pine Forest dot the landscape, contributing to the Dee Valley's natural beauty through wooded glens and riverside paths. The castle's site integrates with this geography, perched on a rise that offers a strategic overlook of the valley and key routes through the . At an elevation of approximately 339 meters above sea level, the castle's location experiences a harsh Highland climate characterized by severe winters, heavy snowfall, and low temperatures. Braemar holds the UK record for the lowest recorded temperature of -27.2°C, set on 10 January 1982, with an average mean annual temperature of 6.8°C. This elevated, exposed setting influenced site selection for its natural defensibility against the elements and potential threats, while the proximity to the River Dee enhances the area's ecological diversity and visual appeal.

Cultural and Historical Significance

Braemar Castle serves as the symbolic seat of , a Highland whose members have maintained strong ties to the site since the , when it became their family home under the stewardship of John Farquharson, 9th of Invercauld. The castle hosts clan gatherings where descendants from around the world sign a dedicated clan book and explore displays, including charts of Farquharson tartans, fostering a sense of ancestral connection and cultural continuity. The castle's proximity to the village of links it closely to the annual Braemar Gathering, one of the world's premier events with roots tracing back to the early . Historically, the gathering was held in the castle grounds, attracting royal patronage; attended multiple times during the 1840s and 1850s, elevating its status as a showcase of Scottish traditions like caber tossing, Highland dancing, and . This association underscores the castle's role in preserving and promoting Highland culture through community events that draw international visitors. As a key site in Highland clan history, Castle embodies the rivalries and loyalties that defined Scottish identity, particularly through Clan Farquharson's staunch support for the Jacobite cause in the 1715 and 1745 uprisings, where the clan's chief raised forces from against the Hanoverian government. The castle symbolizes broader Jacobite resistance and inter-clan dynamics within the Chattan , representing themes of loyalty, , and cultural resilience in Scottish heritage narratives. Protected as a Category A listed building by since 1972, Braemar Castle contributes significantly to tourism in Royal Deeside, with visitors to its restored interiors and grounds, which highlight 17th- to 19th-century Highland life. Its location within the enhances its appeal as a cultural hub, supporting local economy through guided tours, events, and exhibitions that educate on Scotland's heritage.

Historical Development

Origins and Early Use

Braemar Castle was constructed in 1628 by John Erskine, the 2nd , as a hunting lodge situated near the village of in , . The structure was designed as an L-plan , reflecting the Erskine family's status as one of 's leading aristocratic houses with deep ties to the . The primary motivations for building the castle included asserting the 's control over the remote Braemar region amid ongoing Highland clan rivalries and . It served to counter the growing influence of the neighboring Farquharson clan, who were technically vassals of the but maintained significant under leaders like John Farquharson of Inverey. Additionally, the castle helped secure access to the area's prized royal hunting grounds, a tradition favored by monarchs including James VI, who had frequently hunted deer and other game in the Braemar glens during his reign and even maintained earlier lodges there. Under the Erskine family, the castle underwent early modifications to include basic fortifications, such as an easily defended position overlooking key rivers and glens, to protect against local feuds and incursions by warring clans or "caterans" (Highland raiders). These enhancements transformed the hunting lodge into a practical stronghold while preserving its role as a base for estate management. In its initial years, Braemar Castle played a pivotal role in 17th-century Highland politics as a outpost during the Wars of the Three Kingdoms, hosting garrisons and serving as a for captured raiders. It also accommodated royal visits and gatherings, underscoring the Erskines' loyalty to and their influence in regional affairs.

Jacobite Conflicts and Forfeiture

During the first , Braemar Castle became a target due to its owners' allegiance to the newly crowned William III and Mary II. John Farquharson of Inverey, known as the "Black Colonel," led a Jacobite force that attacked and burned the castle on 7 April 1689, destroying the roof and upper floors in retaliation against the Erskine family's support for the government. This act prevented the structure from serving as a for government troops amid the uprising sparked by supporters of the deposed James VII and II. In the aftermath, the castle underwent partial rebuilding in the 1690s under the direction of , who maintained his pro-government stance at the time and oversaw repairs to restore its functionality as a hunting lodge and defensive outpost. These efforts, conducted with implicit government approval given the Erskines' loyalty, focused on essential structural reinforcements rather than full restoration, allowing the castle to resume limited use despite lingering damage from the fire. By 1715, during the second Jacobite rising, Braemar Castle again played a pivotal role as a point for the rebellion. John Erskine, 6th Earl of Mar—now a committed Jacobite—used the castle as his headquarters, where he raised the standard for on 6 September 1715, mobilizing Highland clans and initiating the uprising against the Hanoverian regime. From this base, Mar coordinated early Jacobite gatherings and military preparations in the Braemar area. The failure of the 1715 rising led to severe repercussions for the Erskine family. In 1716, following Mar's defeat and flight to exile, Braemar Castle was forfeited to as punishment for his treasonous leadership, becoming crown property and marking the end of private Erskine control over the estate. This forfeiture reflected broader attainders against Jacobite supporters, with the castle held by the government until later dispositions.

Garrison Period and Decline

Following the , Braemar Castle was leased by the Farquharson family to the Hanoverian government in 1748 for use as a military barracks to house troops tasked with suppressing lingering Jacobite sympathizers in the Highlands. The 99-year lease was granted at an annual rent of £14, reflecting the castle's strategic position for controlling access through the . During this garrison period, which lasted until 1831, the castle underwent significant modifications to accommodate government forces, including the addition of star-shaped defenses around the and internal alterations to create barracks-style . It served as a base for Hanoverian troops, with units such as the stationed there to maintain order and deter unrest. These changes transformed the structure from a house into a functional military outpost, though the basic L-plan layout was retained. The withdrawal of troops in occurred as Highland unrest diminished, rendering the unnecessary and returning control to the Farquharsons under the ongoing lease terms, which were managed with limited oversight. This shift led to initial neglect, as the castle's military adaptations were no longer maintained, resulting in gradual deterioration of its fabric. By the late , the structure had fallen into disrepair, with roof collapses in several sections exacerbating water damage and structural instability, despite sporadic efforts at basic upkeep.

Architectural Features

Overall Design and Structure

Braemar Castle exemplifies a classic L-plan design, constructed in 1628 as a five-storey with a prominent round stair tower integrated into the re-entrant angle of the "L". The main block, measuring approximately 51 feet by 47 feet overall, rises robustly from a vaulted , providing a strong foundational layout typical of 17th-century Scottish fortifications. This configuration allowed for efficient internal circulation while maximizing defensive sightlines from the upper levels. The castle is built primarily from local , harled to weatherproof the and enhance durability against the harsh Highland climate. External features include crow-stepped gables crowning the roofline, which add to the silhouette, along with bartizans—small overhanging turrets—at the corners for added projection and aesthetic flair. Crenellated angle turrets further emphasize the martial character, while the vaulted basement incorporates a secure , or iron grille gate, at the main entrance to deter intruders. For enhanced defense following its reconstruction, an 18th-century star-shaped curtain wall was added around , featuring six sharp-angled salients that form a distinctive polygonal . This , completed between 1748 and 1797, surrounds the original structure and its immediate grounds, creating a compact yet formidable perimeter roughly an acre in extent. The wall's optimized enfilading fire coverage, reflecting evolving military architecture in response to weaponry.

Interior Spaces and Defenses

The interior spaces of Braemar Castle reflect its evolution from a fortified hunting lodge to a family residence, with rooms designed for both daily living and security. The , situated on the first floor, serves as the central dining and assembly area, featuring period furnishings that highlight its role in communal gatherings. Adjacent to it is the Drawing Room, a more intimate space furnished with elegant decor for private receptions and relaxation. Upper levels include the Four Poster Bedroom on the third floor, equipped with a carved bed that underscores the laird's personal accommodations. On the lower levels, the 18th-century kitchen provided essential facilities for food preparation, supporting the household's self-sufficiency. Defensive elements within the castle emphasize its role in controlling the surrounding region. The basement houses the Laird’s Pit, a foreboding accessible via an iron grill in a passage floor, serving as a secure holding cell for prisoners during times of conflict. Navigation between floors occurs via a stone turnpike staircase in the re-entrant , a spiral design that facilitated controlled movement and defense against intruders. Vaulted ceilings in the basement and ground-floor rooms, including the guardroom and stores, enhance structural stability while allowing for the weight of upper fortifications. During the era following the Jacobite risings, the interiors were modified to an 18th-century plan on the lower floors, providing for soldiers, while the upper floors were adapted as a 19th-century family home, preserving its core defensive layout.

Ownership and Modern Use

Clan Farquharson Stewardship

Following the forfeiture of Braemar Castle after the , the property was auctioned, and in 1731, it was purchased by John Farquharson, the 9th of Invercauld, marking the clan's initial reclamation of the site. Although Farquharson subsequently leased the ruined structure to the British government in 1748 for use as a military garrison, the lease ensured clan oversight during the Hanoverian occupation. The garrison's withdrawal in 1831 returned full control of the castle to the Farquharson clan, allowing it to transition from a fortified outpost to a private family residence under successive . Restoration efforts to adapt the castle for domestic use began immediately thereafter under the 12th , with the 13th , James Ross Farquharson—known as "Piccadilly Jim"—overseeing significant repairs in the late to make it habitable as a comfortable home. These works, initiated around the , focused on converting the militarized spaces into family quarters while preserving its historical character. Throughout the , Braemar Castle served primarily as the private residence of the Farquharson lairds, with limited public access restricted to occasional guided tours or special events. Post-World War II, the estate faced mounting maintenance challenges due to the aging structure and economic pressures on rural Highland properties, leading to deferred upkeep that left parts of the castle in a state of gradual decline. As a symbol of Clan Farquharson heritage, the castle hosted clan gatherings and Highland events, reinforcing communal ties and cultural identity among members worldwide. It also housed preserved Jacobite artifacts, including swords and relics from the 1715 and 1745 risings, displayed in dedicated spaces to honor the clan's turbulent history and contributions to movements.

Community Restoration and Current Role

In 2007, Braemar Castle was transferred to community stewardship through a 50-year granted by the Invercauld Estate to Braemar Community Ltd, a local charity established to manage the site following its handover from private ownership. This arrangement shifted operations to a volunteer-led model, with dedicated locals handling daily management, maintenance, and visitor services to ensure the castle's long-term preservation. Ongoing fundraising initiatives, including campaigns and community events, have supported essential upkeep and enhancements, fostering a sense of local ownership and . A comprehensive restoration project, launched in 2019 under the "Raising the Standard" initiative and executed from 2020 to 2024, addressed critical structural needs with a total investment of £1.6 million. Key works included re-roofing the entire structure, re-harling the exterior walls to restore their traditional lime-based finish, and internal conservation efforts to protect historic furnishings and architecture. Funding comprised £1 million in grants from and the , supplemented by private donations, community fundraising, and contributions from organizations such as the William Grant Foundation and The Pilgrim Trust. The project culminated in the castle's reopening on May 2, 2024, marking a significant milestone in its revival as a community asset. As of 2025, Braemar Castle functions primarily as a , displaying restored period rooms that illustrate its 400-year history, while also serving as a premier event venue for weddings, corporate gatherings, and film productions set against its dramatic backdrop. It attracts tourists through self-guided explorations and professionally led tours, with audio guides available in English, French, and German to accommodate international visitors. The site's role extends to educational outreach, hosting exhibitions and workshops that engage schools and locals in heritage activities. Ongoing initiatives in 2025 emphasize accessibility and innovation, including the castle's participation in Doors Open Days on September 20, offering free entry, volunteer-guided storytelling, and behind-the-scenes access to promote . Complementing this, digital exhibits via the Bloomberg Connects app provide interactive room-by-room tours, multimedia content on histories, and audio narratives, enabling global audiences to explore the castle's legacy remotely. These efforts underscore Braemar Community Ltd's commitment to blending preservation with modern engagement.

References

  1. https://www.thecastlesofscotland.co.uk/the-best-castles/grand-castles/braemar-castle/
  2. https://www.britainexpress.com/attractions.htm?attraction=1192
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  4. https://www.discoverbritain.com/heritage/castles/braemar-castle-a-castle-reborn/
  5. https://www.undiscoveredscotland.co.uk/braemar/braemarcastle/index.html
  6. https://braemarcastle.co.uk/discover/
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  8. https://www.visitcairngorms.com/listing/1553/braemar-castle/
  9. https://cairngorms.co.uk/towns-and-villages/braemar
  10. https://www.undiscoveredscotland.co.uk/braemar/braemar/index.html
  11. https://www.truehighlands.com/regional-towns/braemar/
  12. https://hiddenscotland.com/articles/braemar-castle
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  14. https://www.braemargathering.org/history
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  17. https://celticancestrygifts.com/blogs/news/a-deep-dive-into-the-history-of-clan-farquharson-from-highland-battles-to-modern-legacy
  18. https://portal.historicenvironment.scot/apex/f?p=1505:300:::::VIEWTYPE%2CVIEWREF:designation%2CLB36
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  20. https://braemarlocalhistory.org.uk/features/braemar-castle-the-first-60-years-1628-1688
  21. https://www.invercauld.estate/history-of-the-estate/
  22. https://www.aberdeenlive.news/news/history/remembering-braemar-centre-jacobite-rebellion-8724091
  23. https://www.jacobitetrail.co.uk/braemar-castle
  24. https://portal.historicenvironment.scot/apex/f?p=1505:300:::::VIEWTYPE%2CVIEWREF:designation%2CGDL00224
  25. https://canmore.org.uk/site/29748/braemar-braemar-castle
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  27. https://braemarlocalhistory.org.uk/features/invercauld-house
  28. https://www.facebook.com/braemarcastle/posts/meet-lieutenant-colonel-james-ross-farquharson-known-as-picadilly-jim-he-took-up/4665469520136027/
  29. https://braemarcommunitylimited.co.uk/braemar-castle/
  30. https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/braemar-castle-re-harling-project
  31. https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c6pyvr52dr2o
  32. https://www.williamgrantfoundation.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/WilliamGrantFoundation_360GivingData_awarded_Jan2021_to_Jun2021v2.xlsx
  33. https://visitabdn.com/businesses/braemar-castle
  34. https://braemarcastle.co.uk/event/aberdeenshire-doors-open-days/
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