History of Scotland -- Broughty Castle

Lord Gray of Foulis and Castle Huntly received a crown charter of the rock and fishings of Broughty, and a licence to build a fortalice in June 1490. He built a five storey, freestanding oblong tower-house, which was rescued from ruin, extended and altered for military use in the 19th century. Most recently it has been in use as a Dundee City Council museum.

The tower is entered through an arched doorway which leads into the vaulted cellar and to the turnpike stair, which is crowned by a gabled caphouse. The hall was on the 1st floor, where window seats survive, with private chambers above and a garret floor set inside the corbelled parapet. An observation room was added in 1942, when once more Broughty kept guard over the River Tay.

Pictures took by me 2003

During the English invasion of 1544 Patrick, Lord Gray, secretly agreed to hand over Broughty Castle to the English forces, for which he was later imprisoned. A Scots army of 100 hagbutters, 100 spearmen, and 100 horse took two years to drive them out. It was attacked and taken by the Lords of the Congregation in 1565 and they held it until 1571.

By 1821 Broughty was a roofless ruin, it was offered for sale in the Dundee, Perthshire and Coupar Advertiser described as a potentially delightful residence, capable of restoration at small expense. There were no takers, it was another 34 years before before it was bought by the war office who in 1860 rebuilt the tower, adding a very tasteful extension. The outer works, including the drawbridge, and gun platforms were also added. There were further alterations during both world wars.

The castle was passed to the Ministry of Works, predecessors of Historic Scotland, in 1935, though it was used again during WWII.

It remains a Historic Scotland property, but houses a Dundee City Council Museum. Entry is free, the first floor hall covers local history, the whaling industry on the 2nd floor, natural history on the 3rd, and weapons and armoury on the 4th.

BROUGHTY CASTLE