Ethie Castle - History

Records of Ethie Castle date back to the early 13th century. Its position near Lunan Bay, with its gently sloping shoreline, has led to suggestions that the site may have been used by Vikings as a landing place, with a dwelling potentially preceding the castle that stands today.

In the 14th century, monks from nearby Arbroath Abbey built a sandstone tower house on the present site, where they lived for several years. The castle subsequently passed into the hands of the de Maxwell family before returning to the ownership of Arbroath Abbey.

In 1524, Ethie became associated with David Beaton, the future Cardinal Beaton and one of the most influential figures in Scotland during the early Reformation period. Born in Fife in 1494, Beaton studied at the universities of Glasgow and St Andrews before entering ecclesiastical and political life. He became Archbishop of St Andrews in 1539 and was Scotland’s last cardinal before the Reformation. Beaton is said to have lived at Ethie with Marion Ogilvy, daughter of James Ogilvy, 1st Lord Ogilvy of Airlie, with whom he had eight children. Around 1530, substantial alterations were undertaken to the castle courtyard in anticipation of a visit from King James V, for whom Beaton served as an adviser.

On 29 May 1546, Cardinal Beaton was murdered at St Andrews Castle by Protestant reformers, following his role in the execution of the Protestant preacher George Wishart earlier that year. His association with Ethie remains one of the most intriguing chapters in the castle’s history. Local tradition also suggests that silver treasures from Arbroath Abbey were concealed within Ethie’s walls during the Reformation.

In the 17th century, the castle became associated with the Carnegie family, later the Earls of Northesk. John Carnegie was created 1st Earl of Ethie in 1647, and the family’s connection with the property continued for centuries.

The castle’s naval associations are particularly notable. The 7th Earl of Northesk, a vice admiral in the Royal Navy, served alongside Admiral Lord Nelson at the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805. In recognition of his service, he was permitted to incorporate naval insignia associated with the battle into his arms, details of which can still be seen in a dormer window at Ethie Castle.

Ethie is also closely connected with the literary world through Sir Walter Scott, who was a friend of William Hopetoun Carnegie, the 8th Earl of Northesk, and frequently stayed at the castle. Ethie is said to have inspired the fictional Castle of Knockwhinnock in Scott’s novel The Antiquary, a connection reflected in the name of one of the castle’s accommodation suites.

The Carnegie family remained at Ethie until 1927. The following year, the castle and surrounding land were acquired by Glasgow artist and antiques collector William Cunningham Hector. The property subsequently passed through several hands, and periods of change and uncertainty followed. During one chapter in its more unusual history, the castle was reportedly home to a bohemian household that kept a variety of animals within its rooms and towers.

Fortunately, the castle’s roof remained intact throughout this period, helping preserve the building for future generations. In the 1960s, the Forsyth family took steps to repair and restore the property. Ethie later passed to the de Morgan family, who operated it as a small bed and breakfast.

Ethie Castle Today

Dr Roland Ladislaus Zettel acquired Ethie Castle in November 2013, beginning a new chapter in the story of this remarkable historic home. He also holds the historic titles of Earl of Wigtoun, Lord and Baron of Cumbernauld.

On acquiring the castle, Dr Zettel set about furnishing and restoring the property, bringing new life to its rooms while retaining the architectural features and historic character that make Ethie so distinctive. Over the years that followed, the castle underwent extensive refurbishment, with its bedrooms and separate apartment thoughtfully furnished to welcome guests seeking an exceptional exclusive-use stay.

Today, Ethie Castle offers the rare opportunity to experience life within a historic Scottish fortress, combining centuries of heritage with the comforts and pleasures of a memorable country-house retreat.