Although falconry is thought to have originated over 4,000 years ago in the Far East, it became popular in Medieval Britain with the Norman Conquest and rapidly changed from being merely a means of providing food for the table to being an elite noble sport. The popularity of Scottish falconry escalated until the invention of the gun, at which point it began to die out.

Scottish falconry was an essential pastime of the nobility and would have been practiced on horseback within the grounds of Dalhousie Castle. It was common to organise hunting with hawks trips as a way of entertaining important guests, who would frequently bring their own falcons and falconers with them. Most wealthy families would employ their own falconer, and the Ramsays of Dalhousie would most likely have had their own mews and falconer within the grounds.

Falconry has returned to Dalhousie Castle at the award-winning on-site mews, just 2 minutes walk from the castle itself. Dalhousie Castle Falconry provides a selection of exciting falconry packages within the castle grounds, as well as Hunting with Hawks days in the Scottish countryside. The castle are pleased to offer a selection of specialized packages for weddings and corporate groups, such as Wedding Ring Deliveries by owl and Teambuilding Days. There’s also a Five Day course for those falconry enthusiasts who would like to keep and work their own birds.

Dalhousie Castle Falconry welcomes children and is disabled friendly.

The proprietor of Dalhousie Castle Falconry has over 40 years' experience in this noble sport and is always delighted to share the beauty of these majestic birds with hotel guests and visitors. The mews is home to a variety of species of hawks, buzzards, falcons, eagles and owls. Guests are welcome to book in for activities 7 days a week, or simply come down to the mews and enjoy the birds on the weathering lawn and in the aviaries.

The reception area with a view looking over the weathering lawn provides a relaxing area to make your booking, and also features a gift collection including gauntlets, outdoor wear, prints, notelets and falcon hoods as a special memory of your trip to the falconry.
As well as a selection of packages, the team are always happy to offer bespoke arrangements tailored to meet your every requirement. Please discuss your needs with one of the falconers who will be happy to help you.