A legendary Scottish castle which once gave shelter to the heart of Robert the Bruce and a couple of royals is up for sale.
The Craig castle, near Montrose in Angus, dates back to the late 13th century and, according to legend, Sir James Douglas spent his final night in Scotland there protecting the eviscerated heart of Robert the Bruce.
Bruce was King of Scots from 1306 until his death in 1329. He was one of the most famous warriors of his generation and is revered as a national hero.
Legend has it that Sir James set sail from Berwick-upon-Tweed three miles south of the border the day after his stay at The Craig with Bruce’s heart hanging from his neck in a casket.
He planned to take it on the Crusades to Jerusalem but he never reached his destination having fallen in battle with a band of Saracens in Spain.
Further ensconcing the castle in Highland folklore, Mary Queen of Scots, is said to have stayed at The Craig twice as she gathered allies to challenge Elizabeth I for the English throne. On the second occasion, she is reputed to have set light to it as she feared it had been commandeered by her enemies.
And James Stuart, the “Old Pretender”, was also, apparently, an occasional but welcome house guest.
The Craig, surrounded by more than 20 acres of grounds, boasts six bedrooms (some named after the castle’s revered guests), seven reception rooms, a walled garden, wine cellar and two neighbouring two-bedroom cottages.
The Scottish author of architectural and historical books about castles, Nigel Tranter describes The Craig as “an exciting place… a most unusual complex”.
He says: “The composition is most picturesque with high curtain-walls, gun loops, parapets and crow-stepped gables.”
He further extols the “strong square 15th century towers” as well as the high walls enclosing and protecting the courtyard.
The Craig is being marketed by Savills who are inviting offers in the region £1.65 million.
Scotland is famed for its castles, many immaculately preserved and set against some of the most breathtaking scenery in Britain. At one time the country is said to have boasted more than 2,000 castles.
Of course, south of Hadrian’s Wall, every Englishman’s home is his castle, so isn’t it a good idea to make sure yours is fully protected?
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