The History of Brodie Castle and the Brodie Clan
What makes this artist retreat so special is knowing that my great grandfather on my fathers side was the grandson of Robert Brodie of Clan Brodie who migrated from the Scottish Highlands in the mid to late1700’s. Below is the history of the Brodie Clan name, and historical information about the Brodie Castle.
- Gena Brodie Robbins
Acres of gentle Moray countryside that surround Brodie Castle was originally erected by Clan Brodie in 1567.
The rose-colored, turreted castle stands on land confirmed to the Brodies by Robert the Bruce.
The impenetrable 16th-century guard chamber is flanked on one side by a cosy 17th-century wing and on the other by a sprawling Victorian extension.
The castle’s rooms, passageway and towers are treasure troves filled with priceless antiques, and unusual artifacts.
Cared for by the National Trust for Scotland, this grand 16th-century castle was the ancestral home of the Brodie clan for over 400 years.
Inside, it’s filled with impressive art collections, decorative ceilings and fine furniture.
The 71 hectare estate boasts its own share of impressive features including dazzling displays of daffodils in springtime, an adventure playground, a natural trail with observation hides for watching wildlife, a walled garden, and a Pictish monument known as ‘Rodney’s Stone.’
The castle is also located near a small hill known locally as ‘Macbeth’s Hillock’ where the Shakespearean hero is said to have encountered the Weird Sisters.
Macbeth's Hillock is a natural Knoll located beside Brodie and is said to have been the site where Macbeth met with the three witches who foretold his rise to king and then his future demise.
The Real Macbeth was born in c1005 and it is believed he became Mormaer of Moray in 1032 so Moray was very much his home.
There are several theories on the origins of the ancient Celtic surname of Brodie.
One suggestion is that the Brodie's were one of the original Pictish tribes of Moray, taking their name from the Pictish Royal family of 'Brude'.
The lands of Brodie are around twenty miles from the Inverness stronghold of the Pictish King Brude.
The Brodie's are first recorded in 1311 when Michael de Brothie, son of Malcolm, Thane of Brodie, received a charter from Robert the Bruce, erecting the old Celtic thaneage of Brodie into a barony.
About the Location
FORRES
Kinloss 3.5 miles; Findhorn 6 miles; Nairn 10 miles; Elgin 12.5 miles, Inverness 27 miles
The pretty town of Forres is one of Scotland's oldest small towns and boasts an array of historical monuments, museums and castles, as well as impressive parks and award winning gardens. Forres is an ideal starting point for exploring the Malt Whisky Trail being home to two of the Distilleries, and in close proximity to another five! Forres boasts two golf courses and some excellent fishing opportunities. Ideally placed for visiting the atmospheric fishing villages that are dotted along the north east coastline and just twenty seven miles from the capital of the Highlands, Inverness, it is a great base for a retreat. You can immerse yourself in history with Cawdor and Brodie Castles, Culloden Battlefield and Fort George, all within easy reach. Alternatively, you can spend time at Findhorn enjoying the beach and looking for seals or a day's watersports finishing with a drink overlooking the bay while the sun goes down. A five minute drive from Forres will take you to Califer Hill Viewpoint, providing stunning views across the Moray Firth, Findhorn and beyond.