In 1406, the English fleet managed to do what no one else was able to accomplish; they destroyed Brodick castle

Brodick Castle has kept up a tradition that has seen a fortification of some description in place since the 5th century. It was originally constructed between 1220 and 1240 by the Stewarts. In 1263, the Stewarts were ousted from the castle by the Macdonalds for their support of the King of Norway but eventually they gained control back.

Robert the Bruce also tried his hand at ousting the Stewarts in 1307 but he also was very unsuccessful. In 1406, the English fleet managed to do what no one else at that time was able to accomplish; they destroyed Brodick castle.

Over the pursuing centuries, Brodick had been rebuilt and demolished many times. In 1470 Lord Hamilton was granted ownership of The Isle of Arran and became the Earl of Arran. In 1503 he started reconstructing Brodick as a tower house. Whilst in 1528, The Sheriff of Butte who was feuding with the Hamiltons, sent his sons to demolish it. In 1544, Brodick was again demolished but this time it was destroyed because of the Hamiltons support of Henry VIII.

1545 saw the castle once again being rebuilt when the Earl of Arran became Duke of Chatelhauralt. Brodick Castle remained in the hands of the Hamiltons until the Campbells fought for and won control in 1639 but they lost it back to the Hamiltons in 1644. During 1646 the Hamiltons lost Brodick Castle yet once again, this time to the Campbells. The Hamiltons re-took Brodick in 1651.

During the civil war, Cromwell’s forces occupied the castle and altered it yet again by adding a battery so as to cover the approaches of hostile forces. A kitchen and new entrances were added in 1844.

The older part of the castle is said to be haunted by a "Grey Lady" who starved to death in the dungeons of the castle because she had the plague. A man has been reportedly seen sitting in the library and a White Deer is reputedly seen in the grounds of the castle whenever a chief of the Hamiltons is close to death.

Tourist Information

Castle, Garden and Visitor Facilities: 1 Apr to 29 Oct, 11-4.30 (closes 3.30 in Oct).

Last admission: 30 mins before closing.

Admission Prices:

Adult -£10

Family -£25

1 Parent -£20

Concession - £7

Family: Any group of up to 2 adults and up to 4 children of 16 and under.

1 Parent: 1 adult and up to 4 children of 16 and under.

Children: Under 5s go free.

Concession: Children of 16 and under, accompanied by an adult; senior citizens; NUS students; Young Scot/Euro 26 cardholders; unemployed people.