Claypotts Castle: A Quintessential 16th-Century Scottish Z-Plan Tower House

Origins and Historical Context

Claypotts Castle was constructed over nearly two decades from 1569 to 1588 by John Strachan of Claypotts, a landowner who rose in status following the Protestant Reformation which dissolved the Catholic Church’s hold on the lands. Prior to this, the Strachans were tenants of Lindores Abbey. The castle’s construction marked their transition to landowners and reflected their desire for a residence that balanced prestige, comfort, and some defensive capability. After John Strachan’s death in 1593, the estate passed through several hands, including the Grahams of Ballunie and Claverhouse, the latter being the family of the Jacobite leader John Graham, Viscount Dundee, known as 'Bonnie Dundee'. The castle eventually became crown property in 1689 and later passed to the Douglas family before being gifted to the state in 1926.

Architectural Distinctiveness and Design

Claypotts Castle is a classic example of a Scottish Z-plan tower house, a design popular in the late 16th century. Its layout features a rectangular central block flanked diagonally by two large round towers capped with square gabled chambers. This configuration allowed defenders to cover all sides of the castle, though by this period, defensive needs were secondary to aesthetics and domestic comfort. The castle’s twelve gun holes served more as deterrents, akin to modern security measures. The crow-stepped gables and corbelled turrets add to its fairy-tale appearance, while the survival of much of the original late-medieval timber roof is exceptional. Inside, the basement housed the kitchen and cellars, the first floor contained the great hall, and the towers provided private chambers for the laird’s family and guests.

Changing Roles and Occupants

Though originally a family home for the Strachans, Claypotts Castle’s role evolved over centuries. After the Strachans sold it in 1601, it was owned by prominent Scottish families who rarely resided there, instead using it to house farmworkers. In the 19th century, the castle served primarily as accommodation for labourers working the surrounding estates. Despite this utilitarian use, the castle remained remarkably intact, avoiding the extensive alterations or decay common to many contemporaneous buildings.

Legends and Local Lore

Claypotts Castle is surrounded by intriguing legends, including tales of a 'White Lady' ghost said to appear annually at a window, possibly linked to Marion Ogilvie, mistress of Cardinal David Beaton. However, historical evidence suggests these stories are more folklore than fact, as no castle existed here during her lifetime. The castle is also reputedly haunted by John Graham of Claverhouse, though he likely never stayed at Claypotts. Another charming local legend speaks of a helpful brownie spirit who abandoned the castle due to a lazy kitchen maid, adding to the castle’s mystical aura.

Present-Day Significance and Preservation

Today, Claypotts Castle stands as one of Scotland’s quirkiest and best-preserved late medieval castles. Maintained by Historic Environment Scotland as an Ancient Monument, it offers visitors a rare glimpse into 16th-century Scottish domestic architecture. The castle’s exterior and grounds are open to the public, showcasing its complex geometry of towers, turrets, and corbelling. Its preservation owes much to continuous occupation and adaptive use over nearly five centuries, making it a valuable cultural and architectural heritage site.

Setting and Visitor Experience

Nestled within the suburban area of Broughty Ferry, Dundee, Claypotts Castle contrasts sharply with the surrounding modern housing. Historically, it would have been set amid gardens and a courtyard, with views over fields and towards the Grampian foothills. Today, visitors can appreciate its fairy-tale silhouette and intricate stonework, imagining the lives of the lairds and labourers who once inhabited it. The castle’s enduring charm lies in its blend of historical significance, architectural uniqueness, and the evocative stories woven into its fabric.