Menzies Castle, Aberfeldy, United Kingdom

Castle Menzies in Scotland is the ancestral seat of the Clan Menzies and the Menzies Baronets for over 500 years. Strategically situated, the sixteenth-century castle was involved in the turbulent history of the highlands.

In 1840 an entirely new wing was added, designed by William Burn using stone from the same quarry on south side of Loch Tay.

Duleep Singh, last maharajah of the Sikh Empire, lived at Castle Menzies between 1855 and 1858, following his exile from the Punjab in 1854. He was officially the ward of Sir John Spencer Login and Lady Login, who leased the castle for him.

The castle, restored by the Menzies Clan Society after 1957, is an example of architectural transition between an earlier tradition of rugged fortresses and a later one of lightly defensible châteaux. The walls are of random rubble, originally harled (roughcast), but the quoins, turrets and door and window surrounds are of finely carved blue freestone. This attractive and extremely hard-weathering stone was also used for the architectural details and monuments at the nearby Old Kirk of Weem, which was built by the Menzies family and contains their monuments and funeral hatchments.

References:

Wikipedia

Castles and fortifications in United Kingdom

User Reviews

Wendi Richards (15 months ago)
Castle Menzies has been beautiful restored to its former glory. It is a must-see if you are in Aberfeldy Scotland. If you are here for a day or longer, contact them to host a haunted tour, intimate dinner, or large gathering. It's a unique venue that will not disappoint.

Christine Docherty (2 years ago)
Great chance to wander round an authentic castle which has been and continues to be lovingly maintained and restored by the Menzies Clan Trust. If you get a chance do the evening Ghost Tour too.

bruce davidson (2 years ago)
Great place to visit you can look everywhere nice staff. The rooms have things from all through the decades. Lots of period things still as they were.

D B (2 years ago)
Fantastic place to visit, lots of rooms set out over five floors...I particularly liked the kitchen. We received a warm welcome and the castle has a car park, toilets, a tea room and a lovely wee shop. It's a bit off the beaten track but well worth a visit, and had so many connections to important historic characters over the centuries, like Robert the Bruce and Bonnie Prince Charlie. The castle is maintained by volunteers who are doing an amazing job, the castle has a great feel to it.

Richard Moffat (2 years ago)
Stunning! Well worth a visit. Entry fee is very reasonable. Beautiful and interesting place. Don't forget to stop by Aberfeldy whilst you are in the area, take a wander along the river.

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