Ardanach Castle
Set in 300 acres of woods, pasture and gardens, Ardanach is the archetypal Scottish Castle. From the moment you enter the rugged West Door and ascend the grand stair to the Great Hall you’ll become enveloped in the rich and vibrant culture of Aberdeenshire.
Explore unique rooms steeped in history containing the national collection of antique bone quaiches, a lock of Robert the Bruce’s hair and the tam o' shanter worn by Robert Burns, said to have inspired his great poem of the same name.
The ancestral home of Clan Ardanach, the present castle was completed in 1562 by Sir William Ardanach, known as Slippy Willie for his talent of swapping at the last minute to the winning side in any battle.
In the distinctive Pictish Baronial style, Ardanach is built in the round and six stories high and was said to be the inspiration for Disney’s Cinderella Castle.
Ardanach Castle is rumoured to be haunted by the Blue Spectre, seen by Sir Fergus Ardanach as he sat at night, alone in the Great Hall, soaking his feet in a blue and white china foot-bath. The encounter is said to be the inspiration for the ghost of Hamlet's father in William Shakespeare's Hamlet. That same foot-bath, currently in private ownership, has been generously loaned to Guard Alba and will soon be part of a spectral exhibition in nearby Bronnach Castle. Ardanach is also the spiritual home of possibly the greatest treasure held by Guard Alba, Titian’s the Marriage of Venus and Mars* acquired by Sir Frobisher Ardanach in 1814 whilst on the Grand Tour. Regrettably, Sir Frobisher never lived to see the Titian in Ardanach, he dying of an unfortunate affliction in Amsterdam before he was able to return home. The current laird, Zack Ardanach of Ardanach lives and works as an alcohol abuse councilor in Brighton, Sussex, and is a regular visitor and supporter. You’ll be assured
Dimbleby McRust
You’ll be assured of a warm and generous welcome by our resident manager, Dimbleby McRust and his team of Guard Alba guides.