Kellie Castle, Scotland

The first recorded mention of Kellie Castle dates back to 1150 where it is mentioned in a charter issued by King David I. It was owned was Robert of London, the illegitimate son of King William the Lion. By 1266 Kellie had passed to the Siward family. The estate was signed over to a Siward relative, Walter Oliphant, in 1360 and the castle remained in the ownership of the Oliphant family until 1613. It was purchased by Sir Thomas Erskine, Earl of Mar. James VI stayed at Kellie in 1617 during his only visit to Scotland after the Union of the Crowns, and he appointed Erskine as Earl of Kellie in 1619.

The castle is a fine example of Scots Baronial domestic architecture, with an imposing mix of gables, corbelled towers, and chimneys.

The lineage of the Earls of Kellie ceased in 1829, and the castle lay deserted for many years. In 1878 it was rented from the Earl of Mar and Kellie by James Lorimer, Regius Professor of Public Law at Edinburgh University, and father to Sir Robert Lorimer, the renowned Scottish architect. The Lorimer family set about restoring the castle and Robert Lorimer was instrumental in much of the restoration work, designing magnificent plaster ceilings, painted panelling and furniture. Sir Robert's son, the sculptor Hew Lorimer, purchased the castle in 1948 and it remained in his ownership until 1970 when he sold it to the National Trust for Scotland.

The walled garden is 17th century, with late Victorian additions, and contains a fine collection of old-fashioned roses, fruit trees and herbaceous plants. The castle and gardens are open to the public, and there is a permanent exhibition of Hew Lorimer's work and studio in the old stables.

Opening Times

Garden and Estate:
January to March, daily 10-3.30
April to October, daily 10-6
November & December (closed 25/26 Dec), daily 10-3.30

Castle and Shop:
1 Apr to 22 May, Thurs-Mon, 12.30-5
23 May to 28 Aug, daily 12.30-5
29 Aug to 31 Oct, Thur-Mon, 12.30-5 (closes at 4pm in Oct).
Last entry 45 minutes before closing.

Tearoom: same dates as castle and shop, 10.30-4

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Ticket Prices

Adult £9
Family £22
Family group with 1 adult £16.50
Concession £6
Car park - pay and display £3

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Disabled Facilities

The ground floor of the castle is accessible for wheelchairs, as are the shop, tearoom, toilets and garden.
A wheelchair is available.
There is also a disabled tour facility featuring a slideshow and photograph albums.

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More Information

Visit website for more information