Delgatie Castle
Most recently the home of the late Captain John Hay of Delgatie, Feudal Baron, and built around 1049, the Castle has largely been in the Hay family for the last 650 years. It was taken from the Earl of Buchan after the Battle of Bannockburn in 1314, when Robert the Bruce routed the invading English army. Mary Queen of Scots stayed at Delgatie for three days after the Battle of Corrachie in 1562. Her bedchamber is on view to the visitor.
Following Captain Hay's death in 1997, Delgatie and it's Estate were formed into a charitable trust and it's volunteers are tasked with ensuring its survival for future generations. The Castle is open to the public with an award winning tearoom and self catering accommodation both in the Castle and on the Estate.
The castle is steeped in local and Scottish history and it is hoped that the condition of the castle remains near to its original state as possible making it a more 'homely' and different attraction to the rest of the buildings found on the Castle Trail. It is the intention of the Delgatie Trustees to expand the collections and exhibits each year, and to continue to improve the facilities for visitors. It is our sincere hope that you will enjoy your visit to Delgatie and decide to return, as we are certain the castle offers more than a single visit can satisfy.
The Laird's Kitchen tearoom at Delgatie Castle is award winning for it's home baking. Freshly made onsite daily, our wonderful scones, cakes and light lunches cannot be missed. The award winning carrot cake is a must and the amazing selection of fresh cakes are wonderful. A fresh cream scone or afternoon tea is a delight.
Visitors to the tearoom do not need to pay to visit the Castle.
Delgatie Castle has some amazing properties both in the Castle and its surrounding grounds for visitors to come and stay.
Holidays are about getting away to where you can forget the pressures of everyday living - about unwinding in fresh surroundings. Here in the peace and tranquillity of Delgatie Estate you will have your own country hideaway, with the forest on your doorstep. Holidaymakers are welcome to walk through the Estate and the Delgatie Woods.
The Castle's location provides an ideal touring base for visiting some of Scotland 's most majestic scenery. Many of the loveliest areas of the Highlands are easily accessible; Speyside, the Cairngorms, Her Majesty, the Queen's Scottish home - Balmoral; the village of Braemar with its annual highland gathering of world-wide renown, and Aboyne with its more friendly and informal games. The historic site of the grim Battle of Culloden is but an hour and a half's drive away.
Apart from tourist highlights, Delgatie is within easy reach of many quiet local beaches, potteries, antique shops and some of the world's best known whisky distilleries. There is an excellent golf course locally and others of high standard within easy reach. There are numerous rivers nearby that offer excellent fishing for salmon or trout. Delgatie offers its own tranquil lake where the best of rainbow and brown trout may be caught from dusk till dawn.