Delgatie Castle - Photo ©
Alan Findlay, 6 Sept. 2007
Delgatie Castle, Aberdeenshire
Photo © Anne Harrison, 29 may 2008
Delgatie Castle Cottage
Photo © Anne Burgess, 13 September 2007
Delgatie Castle - Photo © Alan Findlay, 6 Sept. 2007 |
Delgatie Castle, Aberdeenshire Photo © Anne Harrison, 29 may 2008 |
Delgatie Castle Cottage Photo © Anne Burgess, 13 September 2007 |
Delgatie Castle is a castle near Turriff, in Aberdeenshire, Scotland.
A castle has stood on the site of Delgatie Castle since the year 1030 AD, although the earliest parts of the castle standing today were built between 1570 and 1579. Additional wings and a chapel were added in 1743.
The castle was stripped from the disgraced Henry de Beaumont, Earl of Buchan after the Battle of Bannockburn in 1314 and given to Clan Hay (later to become the Earls of Erroll). Mary, Queen of Scots was a guest at the castle in 1562 after the Battle of Corrichie.
Like many castles, Delgatie is rumoured to be haunted. A number of reports of a ghostly red-haired figure, supposedly one Alexander Hay, were made by soldiers posted there during the Second World War.
Architecturally, the castle consists of a keep, adjoining house and two later wings. Notable features include a very wide turnpike stair and painted ceilings dating from the 16th century in some rooms.
A curious cottage stands at the foot of the path up to the castle. It looks as if it is an older cottage which has been embellished with Gothic finials and carvings. The shield above the door bears the main elemant of the coat of arms of the Hay family, three shields, and on either side are depictions of the family emblem, an ox-yoke.
Today, the castle and its gardens are owned by the Delgatie Castle Trust. They are open to the public throughout the summer months and suites within the castle itself and a number of cottages the estate are available to rent.
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