Dalhousie Castle near Edinburgh has completed a £6 million refurbishment, restoring historic features while upgrading 35 guestrooms, public spaces and dining venues across the 13th-century estate.
One of Scotland’s oldest inhabited castles has completed a £6 million refurbishment, marking a new phase for Dalhousie Castle near Edinburgh.
Dating back to the 13th century, the historic Dalhousie Castle has undergone an extensive restoration and enhancement programme under new ownership and management. The project has been designed to elevate the guest experience while preserving more than 800 years of Scottish heritage.
Located around 25 minutes from Edinburgh, the castle combines historic architecture with contemporary luxury, offering guests an estate experience rooted in Scottish hospitality.
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Eight Centuries Of History
Dalhousie Castle was established and held by the Ramsay family for more than 800 years, making it one of the longest continuous family ownerships of any castle in Scotland. Over its history, it has welcomed royal figures including Edward I of England and Mary, Queen of Scots, and has been linked to key chapters in Scotland’s past, including the Wars of Independence, the Battle of Bannockburn and the Declaration of Arbroath. It was also besieged by King Henry IV and later associated with Oliver Cromwell during the Civil War.
Rooms, Restaurants And Public Spaces Reworked
The refurbishment has transformed all 35 guestrooms, public spaces and food and beverage areas. It has also included the careful restoration of original architectural features, including vaulted interiors and spiral staircases.
Among the most significant additions is The Alexander Bar, named after Sir Alexander de Ramsay. The newly introduced Ramsay Restaurant is set within the castle’s former ballroom and celebrates Scotland’s natural larder through an elevated grill and seafood menu.
The AA Rosette-awarded Dungeon Restaurant has introduced a new eight-course fine dining tasting menu centred on Scottish ingredients, with each course paying tribute to one of the eight centuries of the castle’s history. The restaurant aims to further strengthen its reputation as a destination dining experience and a showcase for local cuisine.
Another feature introduced during the refurbishment is a hidden single cask whisky library concealed behind a secret bookshelf door. The library will house what is described as one of Scotland’s only whisky collections devoted entirely to single cask bottlings.
Preserving Legacy While Repositioning The Estate
The transformation has been driven by a vision to preserve the castle’s legacy while repositioning the estate as a luxury, experience-led destination in Scotland.
“The vision behind the refurbishment was to honour the extraordinary history of Dalhousie Castle while elevating every aspect of the guest experience to a truly luxurious standard. “As one of Scotland’s oldest inhabited castles, there was an incredible opportunity to reveal the full appeal of the property in a more refined and immersive way, while remaining true to its character. “We wanted guests to feel the sense of story and warmth from the moment they arrive – an authentic Scottish castle experience combined with the comfort and attention to detail expected from a high-end stay.”
Philip Egan General manager, Dalhousie Castle
Philip Egan, General manager, Dalhousie Castle
Planning for the project began following a change in ownership in October 2024, with refurbishment works completed in July 2026.
Throughout the redesign, local Scottish suppliers, craftspeople and contractors played a key role in delivering the project. Their involvement helped ensure the refurbishment remained sympathetic to the building’s historic fabric while introducing a fresh aesthetic inspired by Ramsay heritage and the surrounding landscape.
The transformation comes amid growing demand for experience-led luxury travel and heritage stays close to Edinburgh. Dalhousie Castle is being positioned to attract a new generation of international and high-end leisure travellers seeking immersive Scottish hospitality experiences.
