Archive - September 2024

433-year-old goatskin manuscript gives a glimpse into Carlowrie’s fascinating history

Our team has recently revealed a remarkable piece of history related to Carlowrie Castle. While we always knew that Carlowrie Castle and the Carlowrie estate has a long and interesting history, we were blown away when an historian found an original title deed to the land dated 19 August 1591. 

The manuscript is hand-scribed onto traditional goatskin vellum and is written in Latin. From our research so far, we’ve discovered that it references several famous figures, including King James VI, who ruled over Scotland at the time and later went on to rule England as King James I. 

While more information is needed to understand the role this document has played in the history of Carlowrie, it has inspired us to delve deeper into the history of the land. We’re working with the National Library of Scotland and National Records of Scotland to uncover the unknown stories of the area.

It is believed that an earlier castle had once stood on the site of the present-day Carlowrie Castle, before falling into disrepair. It was Edinburgh-based wine merchant and Provost of Leith, Thomas Hutchison who, many years later, commissioned the building of the Carlowrie Castle we know today. From its completion in 1854 to 1982, the castle was home to the Hutchison family, including renowned Arctic explorer, botanist and author, Isobel Wylie Hutchison.

When you’re next visiting us at Carlowrie Castle, ask us about our history. We’d love to share it with you.

You can read more about our history here.