If you’ve been reading the Ramsay Genealogy series you’ve probably seen the word Dalhousie pop up. Dalhousie is the most prominent of the five branches of the Ramsay clan. The five branches were the Ramsays of Dalhousie, Auchterhouse, Banff, Farfar, and Clatto. Of these five branches Dalhousie has always been the branch from which the Clan Chieftains descend, from the line of Simon Ramsay, the first Chieftain of Clan Ramsay, and Lord of Dalhousie Castle.
Dalhousie is estimated to have been originally constructed in the 13th century around 1247. The castle follows an L plan in its layout which was common in the 15th century, most of what remains of the castle however is from the 17th century.
The castle has a rich and vibrant history, just as in the same way the Ramsay family does. Again we’ve estimated that the castle was built within the 13th century and since that time the castle has been host to many notable figures. First of which is Edward the 1st of England, who was on his way to meet William Wallace at Fallkirk, in the 1400’s another Sir Alexander Ramsay withstood a six-month siege from King Henry the 4th of England, one Oliver Cromwell used Dalhousie as a base of operation when he invaded Scotland during the Wars of the Three Kingdoms, and even Queen Victoria herself was visitor to Dalhousie Castle.
While Dalhousie has entertained many visitors among the living, it also plays host to the supernatural. Dalhousie has always had legends of ghosts haunting the halls. Sir Alexander Ramsay from the Scottish Wars of Independence, a Scottish Terrier, and the most notable of all Lady Catherine, or otherwise known as the “Grey Lady”. Lady Catherine was a member of the Ramsays of Dalhousie and it is said that she fell in love with one of the servants of Dalhousie Castle, and it is said that she was banished to the Castle tower when she was found with this servant. In her banishment Catherine died of starvation, and now roams the halls of Dalhousie castle. Her apparition is most commonly seen whenever a wedding occurs. It is also not uncommon to see her in one of the rooms looking out the window and waving. Some might say that she appears in these situations because of her lost love, seeing him from the windows in the castle, and mourning the loss of their love. However, I’m no expert in supernatural apparitions.
Now you might be wondering what the ultimate fate of Dalhousie castle is. Are you? Well I’ll tell you anyway. Dalhousie castle is still in existence to this day. It does not serve as the seat of the Earl of Dalhousie, that is currently at Brechin Castle. Dalhousie was turned into a hotel in 1972, and was bought by the Von Essen’s Hotel Company in 2003.
Dalhousie is actually where I stayed for the first week when I went to Scotland. I loved the castle, the falconry, the archery, and the library. Especially the library. What’s more so is that I was in a castle that quite possibly a distant ancestor was in. To think I stood where my ancestors stood, in a castle that is just as much a part of my family history as any person. It was truly an awe inspiring experience.
