Clan Guthrie - USA Inc.
As a Guthrie, you can claim not one... not two... but THREE castles in your heritage.Children of all ages and of all lands dream of living in a castle and, lucky us, we can lay claim to three of Scotland's most heralded castles. If you have a trip to Scotland planned anytime in the future, it would be well worth your while to visit our ancestor's "homes". Until then, sit back at your computer and just imagine yourself fending off Cromwell's armies from your castle tower, saving a damsel in distress or taking a leisurely stroll in the labyrinth of your garden -- all in the name of Guthrie.Guthrie Castle The tower (far left) was built in the 15th Century. Living quarters (right) were added in 1760 and connected to the tower by the entrance hall (center) in the 19th Century. Major renovations were carried out by John and Harriet Maude Guthrie in the 1850's, and later the railroad which ran from Forfar to Guthrie actually had tracks passing along the top of the main gate. Nearby is the village of Guthrie with its own Kirk (church). Although Guthrie Castle is no longer owned by Guthries, it is now open to the public by prior reservation. The castle hosts many weddings and special events for groups, including golf on the property course. If you are interested in visiting the castle, please contact them prior to your visit rather than just dropping in. They do require a reservation to preserve privacy for the scheduled events. Contact details are found on their website at www.guthriecastle.com. Gagie House Although Gagie has been altered in each century, it still preserves its 17th century charm. The splendid garden wall was originally a defensive barmkin wall and is attached to the house. In the garden is the summer house built by John and Jean Guthrie in 1762. Gagie contains a number of interesting family portraits that formerly graced the walls of the Guthrie Castle. They were purchased by Friends of the Guthrie Castle when they were auctioned upon the sale of the castle in 1981. Visiting Guthries that call ahead are welcome to see them. Gagie is a private house, but when possible, the Smoors are happy to accommodate passing Guthries as paying guests for one or more nights. Contact: Clare and France Smoor, Gagie House by Dundee, Angus DD4 0P1. Their telephone when calling from the USA: 011-44-1382-380207. E-mail them at Torosay Castle
Torosay Castle was acquired in 1865 by Arburthnot Charles Guthrie, a wealthy London businessman. It served as his "getaway" and must have been ideal for that purpose as the castle has over 60 rooms and is surrounded by an estate of over 12,000-acres. It is located on the Isle of Mull off Scotland's western shores and is easily reached by ferry from Oban. Since 1865 six generations of the Guthrie family have lived in the castle. Current Laird Christopher Guthrie James and his family reside at the castle and graciously greet visitors, Guthries in particular.
Torosay Castle is open to the public for touring at a very nominal fee. Plan on spending several hours to visit not only the inside of the castle, but to enjoy the lovely gardens. Enjoy lunch in the tea room or outdoors on the terrace overlooking the grounds. Additionally, you can take the mini railway from the ferry port at Craignure up to Torosay Castle. Visit Torosay Castle's website at www.torosay.com. The Isle of Mull has had a recent surge of interest from families due to the British children's show called "Ballamory" which was filmed in the nearby colorful fishing village of Tobermory on the Isle of Mull. Contact: Torosay Castle, Craignure, Isle of Mull, Argyl, PA656AY. E-mail: If there are any specific web site you might have, please feel free to let us know. |
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