Towie Barclay Castle
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Towie Barclay Castle is a historic castle in Aberdeenshire,
Scotland, 4.5 miles south-south-east of Turriff. The current structure was built in 1593 by Clan Barclay. The site was given to the Clan in the 11th century by Malcolm III of Scotland. Following Clan Barclay's pillage of a nunnery in the 12th century, Thomas the Rhymer proclaimed: "Towie Barclay of the Glen/Happy to the maids/But never to the men", which was interpreted as a curse on the male line. Belief in the curse was strong enough that it was given as a reason by Mr. Barclay Maitland for the sale of Towie Barclay Castle in 1753 to the Earl of Findlater, who, after "dreeing the weird," (the ''weird'', meaning the curse) and after his son also died, sold it to Gordon's Hospital in Aberdeen in 1792. |
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The castle was bought in the 1970s by the Musician Marc Ellington and his wife, Karen. A programme of restoration was funded by Marc Ellington's music career while his wife project-managed the extensive restorative work on the building, which took over 7 years to complete. While the lower story contains sixteenth century masonry, the upper floors are a modern reconstruction. The restoration project was of a sufficiently high standard to win a Saltire Society Award in 1973. As of 2008, the castle remains in the ownership of the Ellington Family. In addition to owning Towie Barclay, the Ellingtons are also Lairds of Gardenstown and Crovie. (Source: Wikipedia)
You can stay at the Garden Cottage at the Towie Barclay Castle! This beautiful, cozy cottage bosts three bedrooms, two bathrooms, a well-appointed kitchen, and comfortable living room with views of the Towie Barclay Castle.
UPDATE: At this time, the Garden Cottage is not available to book. Check back here for news.
UPDATE: At this time, the Garden Cottage is not available to book. Check back here for news.
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