Castle Menzies: A Complete Visitor’s Guide to Scotland’s Scariest Haunted Castle
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I lost my heart to Castle Menzies – and I know I say that about EVERY Scottish Castle that I visit, but Castle Menzies is a little different – although, I’m not sure why.
I literally stumbled across Castle Menzies (pronounced ‘Ming-iss’) near Aberfeldy while exploring Perthshire with friends, and after just missing out on a whisky tour at Dewar’s Distillery.
Little did I know what I was in store for – this place turned out to be one of the most beautiful Scottish castles I’ve ever visited. A true hidden gem as they say.
And, as it turns out, that slightly non descript July afternoon is a memory that’s going to stick with me for a long time.
In this post I’m going to be sharing my first impressions of Castle Menzies, take a closer look at the rooms you can see and pick out a few quirky features I found during my visit. And of course, have a look at the ghosts associated with this fine Scottish castle in Perthshire.
So what’s Castle Menzies like inside?
Is it worth adding to your already over-packed travel itinerary? What’s the story behind this historic seat of the Chief of Clan Menzies? And, more importantly, are the ghosts here really that scary?
Here’s everything you need to know based on my visit.
Table of Contents
- About Castle Menzies: A 16th-Century Highland Castle
- Location and Historical Significance
- My First Impressions of Castle Menzies
- Castle Menzies History Through the Centuries
- A Castle Without Heirs
- The Castle’s Restoration Journey
- Guide to The Key Rooms In Castle Menzies: My Personal Experience
- Quirky Details & Discoveries
- Some Little Extras Not To Miss
- Is Castle Menzies Haunted? Ghost Stories and Paranormal Encounters
- Let’s Get You There: Planning Your Visit to Castle Menzies
- Want More Haunted Scotland?
- Add This Post To your Pinterest Board
About Castle Menzies: A 16th-Century Highland Castle
Castle Menzies is much more than just a pretty Scottish castle – it’s a beautifully restored slice of Scotland’s history and the former seat of the Chiefs of Clan Menzies for over 500 years.
In 2023 the castle was chosen as the 3rd ‘Best Castle in Scotland’ by The Times Newspaper nonetheless, so I’d say that it’s worthy of a visit, wouldn’t you?
How Do You Pronounce Castle Menzies?
Castle Menzies, pronounced ‘ming-iss,’ or ‘mingiz’ follows the traditional Scottish pronunciation of the clan name. Interestingly, there are two variations of pronunciation based on location. In northern Scotland, locals often stick to the spelling with the -enz ending, while the softer ‘ming-iss’ pronunciation is common elsewhere.
Location and Historical Significance
Standing at the foot of the Weem Rock, less than 5 minutes car drive from Aberfeldy, lies Castle Menzies, a treasure in the heart of the Scottish Highlands.
The castle that you see today, or rather the eastern part of it anyway, is thought to be on the original site of a smaller dwelling known as the Place of Weem.
Following fires at previous Clan strongholds, the Place of Weem (no, this is not meant to read ‘palace’) was built in 1488, but this too burnt down after being attacked by the owner of nearby Garth Castle (not open to the public), Neil Stewart, in 1502.
Castle Menzies has been involved in much of Scotland’s turbulent history, and was actually occupied by the Jacobites in 1715 during the period known as ‘The Jacobite Rebellion’.
Castle Menzies House Guests & Uses
- 1650’s Cromwell’s Forces, under General Monck
- 1715: The Castle is occupied by Jacobites
- 1746: Bonnie Prince Charlie
- 1746: Duke of Cumberland, ‘The Butcher of Culloden’
- 1842: Queen Victoria
- 1939- 1945: Polish Army Medical Supply Depot
But perhaps its most famous visitor was Bonnie Prince Charlie in 1746 when he stayed at Castle Menzies on his way to Culloden.
In a unique twist, four days later, the Duke of Cumberland, ‘The Butcher of Culloden’, commander of the Government forces who later crushed the Jacobite rebellion in Culloden, took over the castle
My First Impressions of Castle Menzies
Right at the start of this post I said that I’d lost my heart to Castle Menzies, and it’s true, I’d visit again in a heartbeat. It’s the kind of place that gives you goosebumps before you even step inside – but, to be fair, I say that about most historic Scottish castles.
Not only do you get to park right in front of Castle Menzies, which in itself is a luxury, but the outside screams history and quirkiness – something that the ‘keepers’ of Castle Menzies are trying to focus on.
Ok, so maybe not too much of the quirkiness bit, but the Menzies Clan Society, who bought the castle in 1957 encourage visitors to ‘roam freely’ steering clear of a stiffness sometimes found in historic properties.
This is the type of castle where you take a deep lungfull as you walk through the door, letting your imagination run wild as to the stories that could be told here.
Above one of these ancient doorways, which was in fact the original entrance to the castle, on your left as you approach, is a brightly painted stone plaque, a ‘Marriage Stone’, placed there in 1371 to mark the marriage of James Menzies and Barbara Stewart, daughter of the 3rd Earl of Atholl.
You might also spot the ‘Chieftain’s Stone’, an huge stone ball weighing 115 kg (253 lbs) that you can actually try your hand at lifting (although do ask the staff first). I can honestly say that it wasn’t there when I visited and have only found out about this later – perhaps someone has moved it.
Step over the threshold, glance around the wee shop – where let’s be honest you know you’re going to send a fortune in later – and get ready to explore one of Scotland’s truly unexpected treasures.
Castle Menzies History Through the Centuries
Once the ancestral seat of the Chiefs of Clan Menzies, Castle Menzies has stood at the head of the family for over 500 years (although the information boards disagree with the castle’s own website and say 400).
Falling into disrepair, the castle was purchased by the Menzies Clan Society for under £300, embarking on a lengthy restoration in 1957, subsequently saving this architectural treasure from ruin.
After a false start – many of the previous Menzies’ seats have fallen into ruin – a stronghold was established in the name of Comrie Castle, about 4 miles west of the current Castle Menzies you see today.
Castle Menzies Today
Castle Menzies is located 1.5 miles (2.4 km) from the town of Aberfeldy, in Perthshire and was built in the sixteenth century after the Place of Weem, built on the same spot, burnt down in 1502. It remained the seat of the Chiefs of Clan Menzies for over 500 years.
Image: National Galleries Scoltand
But when this burnt down in 1488, the 11th Baron of Menzies, Sir Robert, decamped to Weem Rock, where a new mansion, called the Place of Weem, was built.
Fire seems to be the absolute plague of the Menzie family as we shall see, as the Place of Weem also burnt down in 1502 when it was attacked by the owner of nearby Garth Castle.
Fast forward to more recent times and fire once again broke out at the castle in 1878 which was to have devastating effects in a different way.
The image above, taken from National Galleries, Scotland was painted in 1748 and so gives a bit of an impression as to what Castle Menzies would have looked like before the final fire, described below, took hold in 1878.
A fire was spotted burning away on the roof of the castle on the night of 21 April, and although the castle was saved, it was the trauma experienced by the wife of the then owner Sir Robert Menzies, the 7th Baronet, that sadly proved too much to bear.
One month after the fire was put out, Lady Menzies, died.
A Castle Without Heirs
In 1910, after the 8th Barnet, Sir Neil Menzies, died without heirs (and went bankrupt), the contents of the castle were put up for auction.
Four years later, the castle and estates amounting to 11,600 acres of land, were divided and auctioned off for £69,000 (£4.2 million today).
Bought by Francis Willey, later Barn Barnby, the castle remained in his hands until being put up for sale once again in 1930 by his widow.
After changing hands multiple times to various tenants, and with the Weem line of the Menzies clan also losing its clan chief, the castle eventually declined into a semi-ruined state.
Restoration of the Menzies of Weem line triumphantly came in the same year that the castle was purchased, when it began its new journey under the love and care of The Menzies Clan Society in 1957.
The Castle’s Restoration Journey
Stripped back to its bare 16th century stone walls in most of the rooms, I personally love the restoration work that the castle has undergone.
You get to see the thickness of the walls, the roof timbers and as the Castle Menzies website says itself, you get a much better feeling of how the castle was built.
Roof repairs and minor demolition works were first on the cards in the eastern outhouses during the first 14 years of ownership. It was only then that it was discovered that if work wasn’t carried out quickly, Castle Menzies would be lost.
In September 1972, work started in earnest on the castle’s most unique feature, its 16th century Z-plan structure – thought to be one of the earliest versions of a Z-plan Castle still remaining.
After securing funds from what is now known as Historic Environment Scotland (HES), and opening in a very ‘unofficial way’ , the castle started on its journey to what you ultimately visit and see today.
One room the Society is very proud about is The Dewar Room, named in memory of Mr & Mrs Dewar who did much to help with the restoration of the castle – it’s just at the top of the staircase near the tea rooms if you want to head up to see it during your visit.
It’s also where weddings are held if you hire the castle out as a venue and where in 1995, Clan Menzies held their first ever society dinner.
Castle Menzies as now a Category A listed building after receiving the status in 1971.
Join Clan Menzies
If you have links with Clan Menzies or just want to become more involved, then why not consider becoming a Friend of Castle Menzies or joining the Menzies Clan Society who have clan gatherings every August at Castle Menzies.
Guide to The Key Rooms In Castle Menzies: My Personal Experience
I was completely absorbed throughout my visit to Castle Menzies and as you’re wandering in and out of rooms, up and down staircases, there’s lots to take in and potentially miss.
Here’s some of the things I found out about each room which you may want to look out for when you go yourself.
It makes sense to start on the ground floor as you enter through the magnificent eighteenth century doorway – once a cellar room, arriving at the castle’s reception area and, most importantly, the shop.
The 16th Century Kitchen
God, I love an historic kitchen and you can’t help but catch a glimpse of the fabulously displayed 16th century one on your left as you enter the castle.
It’s thought that the kitchen you’re walking into today actually stands in the exact spot where one of the earlier ground floor rooms was in the original tower house – that’s in the Place of Weem, the structure that was here before the present Castle Menzies was built.
The kitchen itself dates back to when the famous Z – plan castle was built in the 16th century, and it was the main kitchen for the castle back then.
Take a look around and see if you can see the large hinge hooks still sticking out of the castle walls – it’s here where they think the original kitchen door hung way back when Castle Menzies was built.
From butter churns, griddles for scones (or is it scones), iron irons and stone flagged floors, I encourage you to pause for a while in here and just soak up the atmosphere. Maybe even take a wander into the larder and see what you can glimpse through one of the many shot holes in the castle.
If thoughts of marriage and Castle Menzies have crossed your mind, the Old Kitchen can be hired out as part of the wedding venue – providing a spot for intimate chats aways from the main celebrations, according to the castle’s website, all while losing yourself in front of that massive open fire.
The Guard Room & Store Rooms
It would be sacrilege if I didn’t at least give a mention to this area of the castle as you walk past these on your way to the main staircase and tearooms.
Poke your head quickly into the store room on the right as you pass, nothing amazing (but when are store rooms amazing), but it’s not that I want you to look at – it’s the corridor you’ve just walked down.
Just take a look at the picture above, simply gorgeous isn’t it!
Not too far on from the foot of the main staircase lies the Guard Room, a place that would once have kept 3 – 6 men dry as they looked after the security of the castle, asking all visitors to surrender their weapons before being allowed to enter.
The Great Hall, or The Pink Room
Let your imagination run wild again (I always do), as you climb the main staircase to the Great Hall, or as you’ll see in a second, what is also known as the Pink Room.
Here you’re presented with a lurid pink, Georgian panelled Great Hall and if you join Clan Menzies, you could get to eat in here as part of the annual Clan gatherings each August!
In contrast to some of the other rooms you wander into at Castle Menzies, the Great Hall was filled with sunshine during my visit. I believe this was also called the Old Banqueting Hall, ‘back in the day’.
Just off this room lies a Withdrawing Room, again, this room was lit up by the sun when I was here.
Prince Charlie’s Room
There’s an absolute treat for all you death mask lovers in here in the form of a bronze reproduction of the death mask of Bonnie Prince Charlie, taken from a now long lost original.
The wee notice on the wall here states that Bonnie Prince Charlie stayed here for two nights during his ‘stopover’ in 1746 while making his way from Stirling to Inverness and ultimately, Culloden.
During my visit the room was a duck egg blue, quite befitting the Stuart claimant to the thrones of England, Scotland and Ireland.
Did he sit in one of the two 18th century chairs that once belonged to the castle and that have since been recieved back as a gift following their auction in 1914?
I’d like to perhaps think so, just to add another layer of charm to the place.
Tucked behind the paneling is the original plaster wall and in front of this hangs the bronze death mask of Prince Charles Edward Stuart, better known as Bonnie Prince Charlie. (yes, that is my arm reflecting in the image below…)
Although the original is lost, it did once make it into Menzies hands – the author D. P. Menzies who reproduced the death mask in copper bronze.
Look closely and there’s signs of an older Charles Stuart perhaps, the mask is said to show signs of the stroke that took the prince’s life a month after its occurrence.
The original death mask had quite an industrial life and is said to have been used as a cast for three memorial statues of Bonnie Prince Charlie 1788.
The Victorian Bedroom
Decorated to represent the last known usage of this room , the Victoran bedroom on the second floor of the castle is decorated in a style more suited to an historic house rather than to a Scottish stronghold.
That said, it’s still a gorgeous room and many of the items on display here have been donated or gifted by people who have a strong association with Castle Menzies.
There’s even a photograph of the last member of the Menzies of Weem line, Miss Egidia Menzies of Menzies.
The Long Gallery
This amazing space is what greets you if you make your way up to the 3rd floor of the castle.
Completely bare when I visited, except for a few benches and a quickly knocked together bar at the far end, this room was once called the Upper Chamber, a nice space, but nothing much to see here unfortunately.
Quirky Details & Discoveries
One of my favorite discoveries in the entire castle was a quirky little detail on a door leading to a small room off the main staircase – I think it was on the way up to the third floor.
When it was discovered that the door wouldn’t fully open because of a pesky little beam, ingenuity took over and a nifty little flap was cut in the door to accommodate.
When the door closes, it fits snugly back into place, making it a fully functional door once again.
I’ve also discovered since my visit that you can partake in the unusual challenge of ‘Lifting the Stone’ – although I will be honest, I don’t recall seeing the stone during my visit.
You can try your hand at lifting the smoothed and rounded ball, testing your strength for a small donation or which can be included in your castle admission fee!
It’s not for the feint hearted though. The stone, perhaps better known as the Chieftain’s Stone weighs a whopping 115kg (253 lbs) and in order to demonstrate your physical prowess, you need to be able to walk with the stone for 10 paces!
This is one for seasoned lifters I think – take a look at the demonstration below – could you do it?
Some Little Extras Not To Miss
I’ve mentioned the Dewar Room already, and when I visited the castle, I was able to take a quick look around the room that’s just at the top of the stairs near the tea rooms in the Victorian wing.
You can also see a museum for the Clan Gregor Society while visiting Castle Menzies.
Is Castle Menzies Haunted? Ghost Stories and Paranormal Encounters
With the castle being home to murders and executions by hanging, you’d hardly be surprised if I told you that Castle Menzies is reputed to be haunted and has the coveted reputation as being one of Scotland’s most haunted locations.
Visitors to the castle have spoken of hearing footsteps, witnessed ghostly figures wandering the corridors, as well as experiencing sudden chills.
Castle Menzies is also haunted by the ubiquitous Grey Lady, with some visitors even reporting being followed home by evil spirits.
Stories about the Grey Lady, the Pink Room, and unexplained noises have been circulating for years among visitors, paranormal investigators, and local historians, making the castle a popular ‘haunt’ for ghost-hunting groups and media whose findings and reports typically become part of the castle’s folklore.
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Ghostly Orbs & Evil Spirits
One of the most frequently reported phenomena involves glowing orbs that appear seemingly out of nowhere – even appearing in front of tour groups.
Witnesses describe them as luminous spheres that move through the castle’s halls before disappearing, with paranormal investigators often capturing these lights on video during tours and investigations.
More unsettling are the accounts of spirits allegedly following visitors home.
Some visitors have reported feelings of being watched or experiencing strange, unexplained occurrences after visiting the castle including flickering lights, unexplained noises, or an eerie sensation of not being alone.
Is Castle Menzies Haunted?
Castle Menzies is one of Scotland’s most haunted locations, steeped in dark history and paranormal activity. Visitors report sightings of a Grey Lady, phantom footsteps, mysterious orbs, and of being followed home by evil spirits. With connections to witchcraft and ancient clan legends, it provides a chilling experience for both ghost hunters and history enthusiasts alike.
Haunted Footsteps & Ghost of a Clan Chief
The sound of disembodied footsteps have been heard near the bedroom of a former clan chief. Some accounts say that he wanders the corridors of the castle watching over his beloved Castle Menzies.
Many a spooky sound has also been heard at Castle Menzies, and the Pink Room, or the Great Hall is known for its chilling temperature at times and weird sensations, and even the site of an eerie clanking noise.
Unexplained noises have been heard throughout the castle in empty rooms, with the usual bumps and scrapes unnerving many visitors. There’s even rumour of a phantom cat, but I’ve only seen this referred to once or twice so perhaps take this one with a pinch of salt.
The Witches Coven
It is also said that Castle Menzies is home to a coven of witches that now haunt the castle’s meat cellar as three grumpy old women.
The cellar, where it’s believed that these witches conducted their rituals, is said to be one of the most active paranormal hotspots at Castle Menzies, with reports of spectral figures, particularly of three women who appear to be “evil-looking.”
Castle Menzies Ghost Tours
If you’ve read any of my posts before, you’ll know that I am both petrified and fascinated by ghosts so you’ll be incredibly lucky if you get me to go on an actual ghost tour!
That said, I still like to look around and see what’s out there, just in case, and I’ve stumbled on some great ones that take in Castle Menzies ghosts.
One of the best I seem to have come across, and by the looks of things seems to be one of the best ghost hunting tour groups around, is offered by Haunting Nights. These guys sell out fast by the looks of things and you’ll have to book well in advance if you want to secure a spot on this or any other of their popular tours or walks.
Other tours are offered by History and Horror Tours, who specialise in tours in Perthshire, Glasgow and Stirling, even appearing on Susan Calman’s Grand Days Out. This is the tour group that’s advertised at the castle when you walk in – although despite this, I could only find historic information about Castle Menzies ghost tours when I was researching, so just keep an eye on the dates advertised.
Please remember though, I haven’t been on any of these tours, just merely providing a round-up of a selection I’ve found online so you have a starting point.
Let’s Get You There: Planning Your Visit to Castle Menzies
Castle Menzies is owned by The Clan Menzies Society and all proceeds from ticket and shop sales go back into the restoring and running of the site.
The castle holds events throughout the year and so to make sure you get the most out of your visit, I’ve highlighted a few things below which I hope you’ll find useful.
Castle Menzies is definitely worth visiting, not only because it’s steeped in history, but because of its natural rugged charm, its spiral staircases and turrets, and the fact that all ghost tours taken at the castle are advertised as not for the feint hearted – what more could you possibly want!
How to Get to Castle Menzies
Castle Menzies is on the B846, lying just one and a half miles from Aberfeldy.
I drove from Stirling which takes about one and a quarter hours if traveling directly here – roughly the same time it would take to drive from Edinburgh, give or take 10 minutes.
For Sat Nav use the postcode PH15 2JD.
When Is Castle Menzies Open?
I was lucky in that I just turned up at Castle Menzies, quite literally, as I was passing and it was open.
The castle also closes for the winter season, so please do check full opening times before you make a visit. Information can be found on the Castle Menzies website.
You may also want to check that a private function isn’t being held at the same time as you’re planning to visit. I encourage you to check before you travel and full details can be found on their website on the ‘visit us’ link above.
Just a quick word about the tea room. Although the castle was open when I breezed by, the tea room was not and so maybe have a few provisions in the car just in case you find yourself being peckish after your visit.
How Long Does It Take to Tour Castle Menzies?
I spent a couple hours (1-2 hours) here, just wandering and retracing my steps up and down the stairs, revisiting the Great Hall and of course the Old Kitchen a few times during my visit.
I certainly wouldn’t spend any less time here, as I think you’d be missing out on some vital exploring.
Accessibility
The property has uneven floors and steps throughout and so may not be accessible for all visitors.
On the ground floor, however, there is a detailed video available which shows the upper floors of the castle and gives a detailed history of the site.
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