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As a Guthrie, you can claim not one... not two... but THREE castles in your heritage.
The oldest is Guthrie Castle near Forfar in Angus. It was built in 1468 under a warrant granted by King James III of Scotland to his treasurer, Sir David Guthrie. Sir David was permitted to built an "iron yett (gate)" which was a symbol of trust in an era when the King wasn't anxious for his subjects to be heavily fortified. The tower has walls fourteen feet thick which discouraged invaders until the invention of modern artillery! 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). Guthrie Castle is no longer owned by Guthries, and is not open to the public. The current owner does not permit visiting the castle nor grounds. We ask that you respect their privacy, since trespassing is highly frowned upon.We will post any opportunities which arise for future castle visits. Gagie House near Dundee was built in 1614 and served as the dower house for the Laird-to-be of Guthrie Castle. The eldest son of the laird was often given Gagie on his marriage and he lived here until his father died. He then moved with his family into Guthrie Castle and his eldest son took up residence in 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 smoor@gagie.com
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:
info@torosay.com. |
