Cluny Castle was originally built c.1604 as a Z-plan castle replacing either a house or small peel tower. Sited in the parish of Cluny, it is south of Monymusk and north of Sauchen in Aberdeenshire, north-east Scotland. Owned by three separate branches of Gordon families over the centuries, it was used to shelter Jacobite rebels in the mid-18th century. Extensive additions were made in 1820 to the design of architect John Smith when it was in the ownership of Colonel John Gordon. The private chapel, once completed in 1870, was described by the British press as "one of the first and most beautiful oratories in the kingdom". Two wings of the castle and the adjoining private chapel were destroyed by fire in 1926, but the damage was mostly restored.
It is a Category A listed building and has been used as a film setting. The grounds are included on the Inventory of Gardens and Designed Landscapes in Scotland and are described as 'Outstanding' in their Artistic and Historical Interest by Historic Scotland.[1]
As of 2024[update] it remains privately owned by Cosmo Linzee Gordon of Cluny[2] who has employed craftsmen to complete extensive renovations. It is not open to the public but corporate events are hosted there and weddings are held in the chapel.
- ^ Scotland, Historic (August 2023). "Cluny Castle". Historic Scotland.
- ^ Cadogan, Davina (March 2023). "A new era at Cluny Castle: go inside the historic Aberdeenshire mansion". Tatler.