Brodick Castle

A seat of the Dukes of Hamilton in the 19th century, there has been a fortification on the site of the present castle for over a thousand years. It was an important Viking stronghold, and swapped English and Scottish hands during the Wars of Independence. Oliver Cromwell also left his mark here.

A seat of the Dukes of Hamilton in the 19th century, there has been a fortification on the site of the present castle for over a thousand years. It was an important Viking stronghold, and swapped English and Scottish hands during the Wars of Independence. Oliver Cromwell also left his mark here.

Parts of the present castle date back to the 13th century, although it has been rebuilt several times. There were extensions added to the castle in 1652 and 1844. The formal gardens date from 1710, and the woodland gardens were completed early in the 19th century. They are now seen as very important and have been designated a country park. The castle and grounds became National Trust property in 1958.

According to local tradition, a white stag is said to appear near to the castle when one of the Hamilton Chiefs dies. Whether this is a phantom white stag or a real one is not recorded.

On a more ghostly note the castle is said to have two spectres:

A man is said to have been seen in the vicinity of the library, sitting on one of the seats. The other spirit is said to be that of a Grey Lady, she has been identified with a woman who died from the plague while incarcerated in the castle dungeons.

Directions: Off the A841 at Brodick.