Dalhousie and Cockpen.
Hi to you all. I was asked a question by Jude yesterday regards these two places while they gave me a life back home after the car breakdown. I thought I had placed a link to them already. But I had infact did this on another website. So I thought I would now do a report here for you all.
Dalhousie Castle was originaly built for the Ramsay Family dating back to the 13th century.
Located a mile (1.5 km) west of Newtongrange in Midlothian, on the banks of the River South Esk, Dalhousie Castle was originally built in the 13th Century and unsuccessfully besieged by King Henry IV of England in 1400. It was extended in distinctive pink sandstone around 1450 and further enlarged in 1633 to form a Renaissance house for Lord Ramsay, the Earl of Dalhousie. The castle was again altered in 1825, by the architect William Burn (1789 - 1870), when an entrance hall was created on several levels.
Since the early 20th century, the Earls of Dalhousie have chosen to live at one of their other homes, Brechin Castle. Dalhousie Castle was leased to a series of tenants and was a boarding school, before it was converted to a hotel in 1972. Many features of the original castle still exist, including its dungeons, and a major restoration has been undertaken.
Looking from the road towards the castle.
Looking toward the castlefrom the car park. Sorry could not get to close as a wedding party was about to arrive.
looking east towards the castle.
The next two photos were taken about 800 yards from the castle and is known as the laundry tower. Where all the dirty washing was taken to be washed in the river South Esk.
Looking towards the castle through the trees.
The castle also hosts a Bird of Prey Centre. And some are even trained to work within the Castle Chapel. By flying to the wedding party with the rings.
All the birds are well looked after and caged at night. plus they are checked by VETS every so often.
Approx half a mile soouth of Dalhousie Castle is Old Cockpen Church which dates back to approx 1100. Most of the building has falled into ruins. But I am glad to say that European Funding has been given to a local group to try and keep on top of the maintance of the building and they have done a great job over the past few years.
Looking along one wall of the church.
Looking east towards the church and the steps to assist the horse riders get on and of there horses so they could attend church.
look east inside the church note what should be round window.
These stones on the ground are what has been found of the round window. It is hoped to have this back in place at some point. Which is part of the maintance work being done on the building.
The head stone for the Marquess Of Dalhousie.
Close up of the writting on the stone.
This all you see of the church as you pass by in a car.
Hope you have enjoyed the small selection of photos.
Neil