Auchen Castle Hotel

Built by General Johnstone of Corehead, Auchen Castle Hotel is a Victorian mansion dating from 1849. General Johnstone, served under Sir Ralph Abercromby (Abercrombie) (Born 7 October 1734 – Died 28 March 1801) in Egypt against the French in 1801 and it is thought that the plantations on the estate were laid out to show the positions of units in the Battle of the Nile.

General Johnstone had no children and the estate was passed down through his sisters family. His sister married Sir Alexander Munro of Novar (who was Consul General in Madrid and a Commissioner of Customs in England). Their son, Hugh Andrew Johnstone Munro died without issue in 1868, so his sister Isabella Margaret Munro (died 1873) became the heir. She lived at Corehead and Auchen Castle with her husband, the conservative politician Henry Butler-Johnstone (28 August 1809 – 1 April 1879) son of James Butler, 13th Baron Dunboyne. Their son Henry Alexander Munro-Butler-Johnstone (Born 7 December 1837 – Died 17 October 1902) was the Conservative Member of Parliament for Canterbury and Deputy Lieutenant for Ross-shire. He resigned his seat in Parliament in 1878 and then managed the Great Mammoth Gold Mine in Utah.

At some point through marriage Auchen Castle became the property of Sir William Younger, 1st Baronet (Born 28 June 1862 – Died 28 July 1937) of Youngers brewery. He was residing at Auchen Castle by 1901 and in 1911 was created 1st Baronet of Auchen Castle.

Auchen Castle Hotel is now a popular wedding venue and has apparently been visited by The Beatles, the King of Norway and the author Dame Barbara Cartland (Born 9 July 1901 – Died 21 May 2000).

Ghost?
The transparent apparition of a child has reputedly been reported by guests. It has been seen in the early hours of the morning walking the corridors, mainstaircase and grounds.

Note: Auchen Castle Hotel should not be confused with the 13th century Auchen Castle which stands in ruins to the south of Auchen Castle Hotel.