Crathes Castle

Crathes Castle is a substantial tower house which retains some wonderful examples of painted ceilings which date from the late 16th century. The castle was the property of the Burnetts of Leys, who were granted lands in Deeside in the fourteenth century by Robert the Bruce.

The original dwelling of the Burnetts is supposed to have been on a fortified island in the Loch of Leys, now a marsh. It is inaccessible, but in the 18th century ruins of buildings were supposed to be visible, and medieval finds have been made there. It would be remarkable, however, if this remained the home of the family until the mid 16th century, which is when the castle of Crathes was founded.

The castle originally had a courtyard associated with it, and was of the simple L-plan, albeit on a large scale. The entrance door can still be seen at ground floor level, although Crathes is entered today through a later extension. The ground floor is vaulted, and is made up of three rooms, and the great hall is also vaulted originally this would also have been lit with small windows, the large gable windows are 19th century. Several of the painted ceilings survive, the most interesting being the room of the Nine Nobles, representing heroes of classical legend like Hector, and Julius Caesar.

Alexander Burnett, who started the construction, died in 1574 with Crathes incomplete. His son and grandson died in 1575 and 1578, so it was his great grandson Alexander who completed the building. His son Sir Thomas Burnett of Leys neglected to join either side in the Civil War, but entertained Montrose in 1644 who was a family friend. He was widely respected by both sides, and was made a Baronet for his trouble. He was succeeded by his grandson in 1653, who died young in 1663, fathering six children. The eldest son Sir Thomas fathered 21 children, forcing him to extend the castle with a new wing through which it is now entered. In common with the 1st Baronet, Alexander the 4th Baronet refused to get involved with rebellion in the Jacobite period.

Crathes Castle remained in the hands of the Burnett family until 1951, when it was made over to the National Trust for Scotland. It is open to the public.

Official National Trust for Scotland page

HES Canmore database entry