Edzell Castle, the ruined home of a once powerful Scottish family

December 16, 2019

Edzell Castle, Edzell, Scotland

This afternoon, I am providing information on Edzell Castle in the county of Angus, about forty-five miles S.W.of Aberdeen in the east of Scotland.

The core of this rich, red sandstone building dates from around 1604 and was essentially a high status building designed to the scholarly tastes of Sir David Lindsay which include representations of planetary deities, cardinal virtues, the liberal arts and the seven deadly sins. There was a unique combination of statuary, carvings and gardens to challenge the senses and mind.

In the 17th and 18th centuries the family’s fortunes and influence ebbed. The castle was occupied by Cromwellian soldiers in the 1650s (civil war) and again by Hanoverian soldiers (Jacobite uprising) in 1745 who caused damage. However, the final blow was caused by financial distress which resulted in the castle being sold off at a discount and asset stripped by creditors.

A fascinating ruin which affords an insight into the one -time wealth of one of Scotland’s most powerful aristocrats.

The origin of the name 'Edzell' cannot be determined with accuracy but there is one line of thought that points to the name being derived from the old Scots term dale (meaning share or allotment or piece of land), i.e 'Esk-land'. There are two rivers in Angus incorporating 'Esk'.