Right Royal Living – 13th Century Style
Dalhousie Castle was built over 800 years ago by the Ramsays of Dalhousie and the castle has remained in possession of one family longer than any other in Scotland and now stands peacefully amongst the rolling Midlothian countryside.
William de Ramsay joined forces with King Robert the Bruce and was present at the Battle of Bannockburn in 1314 while the ninth earl George, a close friend of Sir Walter Scott, fought at Waterloo before being appointed governor of Nova Scotia in 1816. His son, James, became the youngest ever Governor General of India at the age of 33 – the castle’s India bedroom celebrates his significant work.
Dalhousie Castle is a fascinating 13th century property which has been combined with the history and splendour that surrounds it with acres of forest, parkland, river pasture and the luxury of modern day comforts.
A rich tapestry of arts and culture and recent extensive renovation has created 29 beautiful bedrooms. These are decorated in Scottish design fabrics such as tweed, tartan and twill.
Period furniture, rugs and carpets combine to create a richly warm and luxurious feel that’s deeply relaxing and truly welcoming.
Among the rooms, the hotel boasts 17 historically themed bedrooms. Each of these is individually designed and elegantly styled to create a room full of unique character.
The de Ramseia themed suite emerged after years of careful restoration. As well as housing the 500 year old castle well, the sitting room’s furnishings complement beautifully, the suite’s historical feel. Polished wooden floors with luxurious rugs, Medieval style furniture, leather sofa and soft lighting give the de Ramseia a sympathetic ambience in keeping with the castle’s history.
The antique carved oak double bed dominates the bedroom, with soft furnishings in hues of green and yellow ochre. A dark mahogany desk, antique mirror, period style fireplace and comfortable armchair add tasteful features.
The Mary Queen of Scots suite includes a majestically carved four-poster queen-size double bed, an enlarged bathroom and a separate sitting room overlooking the South Esk river and countryside. The historical connection dates back to when the then Laird of Dalhousie joined Mary Queen of Scots to fight the English, under her banner at the Battle of Langside. During the renovations a 16th century “shot-hole” was discovered in the defensive tower, which has now been restored to its original stone face.
James VI room – Laird of Dalhousie in the time of James VI (of Scotland) seems to have been a favourite of the monarch, and his brother John Ramsay saved the life of James VI by killing Earl of Gowrie, who was plotting to kidnap the monarch. In 1600 John Ramsay was made the King’s Page, and a peerage was conferred on the Laird. There are traditions in the countryside of royal visits to the castle in these reigns, in which a cloth of gold was laid down for the king to step upon from the castle to the bridge.
Other themed rooms include the Cockpen, Robert the Bruce, Alexander, Edward I, Cromwell, Sir William Wallace and Lady Cathlene.
For the ultimate in relaxation, Dalhousie Castle has created Aqueous, a hydro spa, the first of its kind in Scotland. Aqueous combines relaxing and therapeutic spa treatments with the invigorating and rejuvenating hydro facilities.
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