Inside the £6m transformation of one of Scotland’s oldest inhabited castles

Located 25 minutes from Edinburgh, the castle pairs historic character with contemporary luxury, offering guests an immersive estate experience.

Established and held by the Ramsay family for more than 800 years – one of the longest continuous family ownerships of any castle in Scotland – Dalhousie Castle has played host to the country’s defining historical figures and moments.

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It welcomed royalty, including Edward I of England and Mary, Queen of Scots, and played its part in key chapters of Scotland’s turbulent past – from the Wars of Independence and the Battle of Bannockburn to the Declaration of Arbroath. It was also besieged by King Henry IV and later associated with Oliver Cromwell during the Civil War.

The refurbishment has transformed all 35 guestrooms, public spaces, and food and beverage areas, while carefully restoring many of the castle’s original architectural features, including vaulted interiors and spiral staircases.

Among the most significant additions is The Alexander Bar, a bar space named after Sir Alexander de Ramsay, alongside the newly introduced Ramsay Restaurant, set within the castle’s former ballroom and celebrating Scotland’s natural larder through a grill and seafood menu.

The AA Rosette awarded Dungeon Restaurant has a new eight-course fine dining tasting menu that celebrates the very best of Scottish ingredients, with each course paying tribute to one of the eight centuries of the castle’s rich history. The restaurant team has ambitions to further strengthen its reputation as a destination dining experience and a showcase for exceptional local cuisine.

A standout feature introduced during the refurbishment is a hidden single cask whisky library concealed behind a secret bookshelf door, which will house one of Scotland’s only sole single cast whisky collections.

The transformation was driven by a vision to preserve the castle’s remarkable legacy while repositioning the estate as a leading lavish and experience-led destination in Scotland.

Philip Egan, general manager of Dalhousie Castle said: “The vision behind the refurbishment was to honour the extraordinary history of Dalhousie Castle while elevating every aspect of the guest experience to a truly luxurious standard.

“As one of Scotland’s oldest inhabited castles, there was an incredible opportunity to reveal the full appeal of the property in a more refined and immersive way, while remaining true to its character.

“We wanted guests to feel the sense of story and warmth from the moment they arrive – an authentic Scottish castle experience combined with the comfort and attention to detail expected from a high-end stay.”

Planning for the project began following a change in ownership in October 2024, with refurbishment works completed in July 2026.

Throughout the redesign, local Scottish suppliers, craftspeople, and contractors played a key role in delivering the project, helping ensure the refurbishment remained sympathetic to the building’s historic fabric while introducing a fresh aesthetic inspired by the Ramsay heritage and surrounding landscape.

The transformation comes amid growing demand for experience-led luxury travel and heritage stays close to Edinburgh. Dalhousie Castle is primed to attract a new generation of international and high-end leisure travellers seeking immersive Scottish hospitality experiences.