Newton Castle
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- Date:
- 1550
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Newton Castle
Newton Castle stands to the north-west of the town of Blairgowrie and Rattray, Perth and Kinross, Scotland, on the slope of Knock-ma-har, the hill known locally as the Knockie.
When describing Newton Castle, the late Sir William Macpherson would always point out that it is not a castle in the true sense but a fortalice, a fortified house.
Although it is believed to have been built earlier in the Middle Ages by George Drummond, records of its history date from around 1550. George Drummond (1688 – 1766) who was elected Lord Provost of Edinburgh a number of times between 1725 and 1764, was born at Newton Castle.
Following a fire in the 17th century it was rebuilt much in the original style. Minor alterations and an additional wing date from 1883.It is a Category A listed building.
Since 1787 when it was bought by Colonel Alan Macpherson and his wife Catherine Richardson Hill it has been the Macpherson family home.
Following the death in February 2021 of Sir William Macpherson, the Macpherson family decided that Newton Castle should be made available for public use. It is planned that by Summer 2023 the whole building may be rented as accommodation or for events.
Myths and legends go hand in hand with many castles and Newton Castle is no different.
Secret Tunnel
It is believed that a secret tunnel connects Newton Castle with Ardblair Castle over a mile away, but the tunnel has never been found.
Read ‘Secret Tunnels’ in ‘The Ghost o’ Mause’ by Maurice Fleming.
The Woman with the Red Duster
Newton Castle is said to have two ghosts. The first is that of Janet Drummond, the widow of George Drummond who was murdered. Janet appears at a window waving her husband’s blood- stained shirt.
To read about George Drummond’s murder go to http://www.perthshirediary.com/html/day0603.html
To learn more about the ghost of Janet Drummond read ‘The Woman with the Red Duster’ in ‘The Ghost o’ Mause’ by Maurice Fleming.
The Green Ladye o’ Newton
Lady Jean Drummond fell deeply in love with Lord Ronald who did not return her affection. Lady Jean tried everything to win him and even consulted a local witch who advised her how to devise a spell. Lady Jean followed her instructions and having spent the night at the Coble Pool on the River Ericht she woke at dawn to find herself dressed all in green. At first the witch’s spell seemed to have worked and Lord Ronald married Lady Jean, but, scarcely had the marriage ceremony taken place when Lady Jean died.
CLICK HERE to read the poem ‘The Green Ladye of Newton’ and to learn about her ghost’s appearance at Newton Castle on Hallowe’en.
Read ‘The Green Ladye o’ Newton’ in ‘The Ghost o’ Mause’ by Maurice Fleming.