Castle Menzies, Aberfeldy

Castle Menzies (pronounced 'Mingies') is a very fine example of a type of castle known only in the east of Scotland - the Z-plan Tower House. It was the seat of the chiefs of Clan Menzies from the 16th Century until the death of the last of the main line of the family in 1918. It is now being restored by the Menzies Clan Society. Set on flat ground, the old tower house was extended on two sides in the 18th and 19th Centuries, becoming the centrepiece of a man-made landscape which includes the plantings on the hill behind the castle, the walled garden, feature buildings such as the kennels, the keeper's and gardener's cottages, gatehouses and the gothic home farm steading half a mile to the west. The fascination of this building is in the contrast between its early history as a very efficient defensive fortification and its later life as an elegant and comfortable mansion house. Inside, the story is told of the 400 year relationship between the house, its surroundings, its family and their relationship with both local and national events. The Menzies provided many players on the stage of important historical events in Scotland. Although no longer occupied by the family, the castle is still the centre of clan life and is the scene of the annual Menzies Clan Gathering. There are still a number of families of that name living and farming in the locality.

Last Updated November 1999 © 1997-2001 The Perfect Solution