The Castle Tour – Episode 1
We thought it would be fun to see some castles in Scotland only to discover that this place is littered with them. Depending on how you define a castle, estimates can range in the thousands. According to self-styled Castle Hunter David Weinczok, it has to be able to defend itself, “Would a SWAT team have a hard time getting in?” For us it’s much simpler, they only have to meet two criteria, they have to look really cool and, most importantly, have furniture. That’s right furniture.
We have no interest in rubble. I’m certain some of you history buffs are aghast and that there are amazing stories about the people and events that occurred in some of these ruins, but we just don’t have the time and, lets be honest here, visually, a pile of rocks is, well, a pile of rocks.
So let’s take a look at a few places that you can still throw a coat of paint on.
Motto: “All My Hope Is In God”
Construction of the elaborate, five-story Z-plan castle was begun in 1575 by Michael Fraser, the 6th Laird of Fraser, and was completed in 1636.
The castle was passed down through the Lords Fraser and then to the Mackenzie family who took the name Mackenzie Fraser. In 1897 the last male Fraser of the direct line, Frederick Mackenzie Fraser, died childless.
In 1921 his widow, Theodora, sold the castle due to the lack of a suitable heir
and mounting financial difficulties.
The Dining Room table could be configured to accommodate most any number of guests.
Some of the last 16th century Jacobean carved woodwork in the country.
Through this cupboard is a grating that lets you listen to conversations in the Great Hall below. It’s called the Laird’s Lug(Ear).
This little hole let the Laird keep an eye on activities in the Great Room below.
The Peacock Room
The wallpaper in the Peacock Parlour is a rare survivor of the 19th century. Pineapples were considered hugely prestigious then.
Hot water was carried up three stories to fill this Oxford Tub. You were turned towards the fire with your feet hanging out.
The concept of the Frog Mug is that the surprise of seeing a frog at the bottom of your beer will cure what ails you.
Called the rich man’s disease, gout was caused by excessive meat, sugar and alcohol consumption.
These stools are for gentlemen to rest their swollen feet on.
Hunting was a huge activity. It seems they displayed and stuffed everything.
Even the dogs.
The View From Above
The key to any defense is seeing all around so nobody can sneak up on you. You need a good tower with a great view.
Tower Turret
Ghost Stories
One of the most haunted castles in Scotland, Fraser Castle is home to the ghost of a princess who was brutally murdered while asleep in the ‘Green Room’.
The Green Room
Her body was dragged down the stone stairs, leaving a trail of blood stains. Legend has it that as hard as the housekeepers tried, they could not scrub out the stains, and were forced to cover the steps in wood panelling, which remains today. She is said to still stalk the halls of the castle during the night. Over the years many residents have reported seeing her ghost throughout the castle.
Lady Drummond
Lady Marie Augusta Gabrielle Berenere Blanche Drummond, Frederick MacKenzie Fraser’s first wife, died of consumption in 1873. Sadly this marriage was not blessed with children and, apparently, her apparition has joined the murdered princess. Witnesses have seen the dear departed Lady Drummond in a long black gown stalking the staircases and castle grounds. Visitors and staff have also heard ghostly piano music, whispers in the empty hall and the sound of children laughing and singing, only to find that there were no children at the castle.
Side Notes
Some scenes in the 2006 film The Queen, starring Dame Helen Mirren, featured Castle Fraser as a backdrop.
For you fans of the Outlander series I should note that, although the gift shop
is loaded with Outlander collectibles, none of the Tour Guides ever mentioned Jamie or Claire.