Introduction
This evening, I am posting information on Brodie Castle. This castle has long been associated with the family of the Clan Chief, Alexander Tristan Duff Brodie of Brodie. Alexander is the 27th Chief of Clan Brodie.
Information on Brodie Castle
This is a well-preserved Z plan castle located about 3+1⁄2 miles (5.5 kilometres) west of Forres, in Moray. Forres is about 26 miles NE of Inverness, the ‘capital of the Highlands’.
The original Z-plan castle was built in 1567 by Clan Brodie but was destroyed by fire in 1645. Perpetrator was Lewis Gordon of Clan Gordon, the 3rd Marquis of Huntly. In 1824, architect William Burn was commissioned to convert it into a mansion house in the Scots Baronial style. However, these additions were never completed and were later remodelled by James Wylson (c. 1845).
The Brodie family called the castle home until the early 21st century. The Brodies have been associated with the land castle since around 1160 following a grant from King Malcolm IV.
Architecturally, the castle has a very well-preserved 16th-century central keep with two 5-storey towers on opposing corners. The interior of the castle is also well preserved, containing fine antique furniture, oriental artefacts and painted ceilings. The latter largely date from the 17th–19th centuries.
Today the castle and surrounding lands, including a national daffodil collection, are owned by the The National Trust for Scotland. The public are allowed to visit throughout the year. The castle may be hired for weddings and indoor or outdoor events. An ancient Pictish monument known as Rodney’s Stone can be seen in the castle grounds.[
Clan Brodie
Little is known of the clan history as most records were destroyed in the fire of 1645 adverted to above. However, it seems likely that the Brodies status in the local area goes back to Pictish times of the 1st millennium. In 1972 there was found in a castle pigeon loft a vellum pontifical dating to around AD1000. This document is now in the British Museum.
From the 13th to 16th centuries succession of the thanes of Brodie was determined by the male line.
In 1583 Alexander (1617-1680) succeeded as Brodie of Brodie. This clan chief was a fanatical Presbyterian who instituted considerable damage at nearby Elgin Cathedral.
In 1727 another Alexander (1697-1754) became Lyon King of Arms. The family continued to maintain a discreet distance from public controversies and occupied the same property unhindered.
More information for the visitor
The publication, Visitors’ Guide to Scotland includes a section on castles and Scottish history. This book is heavily illustrated and contains a wealth of information. The ISBN is 978-1-9161332-0-4. Also available via Kindle.