Tour Claypotts Castle

A fortified house of the 16th century, the 'Tower Fortalice and Mannor Place' of Claypotts was built between 1569 and 1588 by John Strachan or Strathauchin, a cadet branch of Strachan of Angus and Thornton in the Mearns. It is situated close to the junction of the A92 and B978 roads between Dundee and Broughty Ferry. Erected in a Z-plan style it has three storeys and circular wings. At the beginning of the 17th century the estate passed to the newly-created Barony of Lindores and the Strachans moved north to Balhousie after selling Claypotts to Sir William Graham of Ballunie in 1601.

The Claypotts Estate was eventually sold to the Grahams of Claverhouse, reverting to the Crown in 1689 when Claverhouse lands were declared forfeit after the Battle of Killiecrankie. The property was granted by Royal Charter in 1694 to James, 2nd Marquis of Douglas. Claypotts Castle was placed under the guardianship of the Commissioners of Works in 1926. Outside is a demonstration garden.

Castles and Tower Houses of the Scottish Clans 1450-1650. Scottish castles and Tower Houses evolved as fortified dwellings that were erected in an environment of weak royal authority and feuding between rival clans. They demonstrated a strong and highly successful design that formed the core of many larger structures. Many of them continued to be inhabited long after the threat of unwanted visitors had diminished and remain excellently preserved for visitors and historians. This book examines these castles and Tower Houses, focusing on their distinctive style that flourished in Scotland in the 16th and 17th centuries. Castles and Tower Houses of the Scottish Clans 1450-1650 (Fortress).

If you would like to visit this area as part of a highly personalized small group tour of my native Scotland please e-mail me.

Return to Scottish Castles